I know where it is on Win ME, but I know you can't turn off everything in your start menu or your computer just won't start up again. What can't you turn off. I have had a death in my family and have not gotten back to this until now.\ can nearly bet you are running W98, probably an updated version. I'm at the tired end of the day ... & was when the 1st of your messages filtered through. I think you need to do the following ..... & I'll need help from W98 people, because I've got the new beaut p.c. with XP ... bells 'n whistles included !.... unfortunately the upgrade to the new p.c. didn't give my human brain any extra memory :) 1. Go to start then "run" 2. type in "msconfig" 3. Here's where I need help from W98 people ........ There's a general tab ? I think it's the 1st tab that opens after typing msconfig 4. You will see something like "disable startup items" or you may see "start up items" .... that's Nortons, Spybot etc. etc.etc. 5. The p.c. will want to shut down/ restart.... do it. 6. Run scan disk ... takes NO time this way ... do a defrag on the same session, also takes heaps less time, but not as spectacular as as "scan disk". 7. After all is done reverse the procedure ... esp. if going on the net ... msconfig ... the tab ... recheck what you switched off. Amongst them your virus scanner. 8. The p.c will want to restart .... again do it. W98 people .... Answers 3. & 4. is where alzheimers has taken over & where Gigi & I need a hand in what Tab is it ? And what things need to be ticked & unticked . HELP. Cheers all Carolyn