Regarding the startup programs is there anyway to bring them back if you got rid of them? The specific startup program allowed me to switch back and forth between my wireless connection and my network.
Click the "Start" icon Click the "Run" icon In the window that appears type "msconfig" (without the quotes) In the window that appears select the tab labeled "Start Up" It will have a list of things that used to/do start on start up. Anything unchecked doesn't start up and vice versa. simply check the box for whatever you need to start up.
you should probally only uncheck the stuff you know for sure what it is or you know for sure that it shouldnt be there.. always prob shouldnt mess with the services as that can cause problems you dont want. trust me =P
J0hnnyga is only partially right. Software like you Firewall and AntiVirus should be left checked, but it does not have to be. Nothing in the "Start Up" section is required for you computer to run correctly. But like I said there are certain things,like antivirus & your firewall, that should be left to startup but again nothing in their is needed to startup.
It's not a secret.. They just hide how to do it. You can completely remove auto updates and the annoying bubble with this too.. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314488