I HATE balloons

Does anybody know how to shut down (once and for all!!) those damned annoying pop up balloons in Windows XP?
Fer instance; My cursor hovers momentarily over the Excel icon in the Quick Start area and instantly “Microsoft Excel 2003. Perform calculations,analyze information,and manage lists in spreadsheets or web pages using Microsoft Office Excel.” pops up. Like I don’t know what Excel (or whatever) is for. They’re annoying, condecending, unnecessary, and just plain in the way.
I want to shut this noise off permanently. The proper hack would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.