[Plugs]

Start menu/run ... type msconfig ... hit enter ... choose "start up" tab ... deselect anything that doesn't have to be running. Any of the little icons at the bottom right of the task bar (opposite corner of the start menu) is stealing cpu power.

Same with any fancy graphic effects, turn 'em all off.

Also under start/programs/start up ... delete any shortcuts, same reason.

If any programs DO need any of these, they'll be instantiated when they are needed.

I'm relatively sure most, if not all of these settings, are stored with the user settings.