OT: Windows Optimization?

[AgentZero]

Meanwhile, you should take a look at what's starting on windows load.
Disable everything that's not nessesary. Drivers, firewall, one antivirus, and that's about it.

I've gone into MSConfig, gone to the startup tab and disabled everything I know I don't need, but there's still an awful lot of stuff that I don't know what it is, so I'm reluctant to remove it. Does anyone know if Windows puts vital programs/drivers into that Startup section?

If you mean like McAfee and Norton, your computer is probably screwed. It's a definite no-no to have more than one antivirus program installed. If you're counting programs like Adaware/Spybot S&D, then you're okay.

Second, have you defragmented your hard drive recently?

What I meant was that I've got 3-4 anti-virus programs installed on the computer. I only have one actively running, but have used that 4 different programs to run a complete scan of the HD to be totally sure there's no viruses. Last defragged the hard drive about 3 weeks ago.