I run msconfig to try to get rid of unnecessary programs. what programs are essential?

Answer 1

click start / run..type in msconfig...when the dialog pops up go to the last tab at the top "startup"...click it......in there is everything that is starting when u start ur comp.....u must becareful what u uncheck.....some things in there r vital to ur startup.......if u r unsure what to uncheck go here.....
http://www.sysinfo.org
in the bottom right hand corner there is a option that says "full start up list" ....click it.....type exactly what the start up is next to the check in ur msconfig to the top box in sysinfo and hit enter.....it will tell u what that item is and if u need it to run at the start of ur bootup.......do this to all of them just to be sure....gl
enjoy :)