Cleaning up auto-start

Start with the Icons in the system tray.
(right side of the tool-bar)
Right click on every program that you do not NEED running all the time, and see if there is an option to disable the program.

Next, from the Run box on the Start Menu, type in msconfig and hit enter.

Click on the startup tab, and disable every program that you do not NEED running at startup.

That may not correct your problem.
You may have a memory leak, or 'spy-ware' running.

Download and run AdAware 6 from www.lavasoft.de
This will get rid of some programs that may not show up on the startup tab of msconfig.

If you still run out of resources, you have a memory leak.
Memory managers (available for download from many sites, I suggest www.nonags.com) can help you work around a memory leak.
The only real fix I have found for memory leaks, is to back-up your files,
Format the hard drive,
Re-install Windows.
Yes, it's a lot of work, but it is usually worth the effort.

I strongly recommend that you add between 64MB and 128MB of RAM to this system.
Even if you are able to free some resources when you disable startup items, you will be amazed by the improved performance more memory will give you.

Chas