Once you've identified the items that don't need to be launched every time Windows starts, use the System Configuration Utility's Startup tab or the Autoruns utility to clear the check boxes next to the names of these items. Then restart your computer to get a subjective feel for any speed improvement.

Run a few of your frequently used applications just to make sure all's well. If you discover you've accidentally disabled something vital, just use either utility to recheck the box next to that item.

When you're done, do a cold reboot and time the complete start-up sequence, ending when your Notepad window launches. Compare your before-and-after results to see how much time you trimmed from the sequence. Depending on what you were able to remove, the speed difference will range from modest to significant. Either way, you'll have a little less dragging down your system, and more memory will be freed up for your use.