how do i change the order of startup items in windows xp?

Answer 1

You don't need to. In fact, many of these startup items can be turned off.

Go to RUN, then enter MSCONFIG and hit go.

Then go to the STARTUP section and uncheck most of the items that you see. But keep your Anti-virus thing alive.

Answer 2

If you mean the items that show up when you click on the Start menu then all you have to do is click on one of the programs and while continuing to hold down the mouse, move the item (program) somewhere else on the menu.

Sorry if I misunderstood.:-}