Disable auto-start applications:
 Using this tip, you can minimize the startup time of windows XP and Vista also. You can disable some optional windows applications like windows messenger, Yahoo messenger, QuickTime and many others auto startup programs that run automatically when you start your computer. 
 
 Follow the given steps to disable the windows auto run applications: 
 
 To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.
 
 Click Start button and type msconfig in Run option then press Enter for next.

A small System Configuration Utility dialog box will appear with many options like General, System.ini Win.ini, Boot.ini, Services, Startup and Tools.
Now select Startup tab and uncheck the applications that you want to disable from windows startup.
Now click on Apply button to implement the changes then click on Ok button to end the configuration process.
 
 Again close the all program and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.