I've been having computer trouble over the last week...and finally fixed it by turning off the files in my "startup menu".

Does anyone know what this "startup menu" actually does? It seems to 'pre-load' programs somewhere (?) when you first boot up, but since I disabled mine, I don't notice any difference in the operation of the computer. (except that my computer doesn't hang up anymore)

Is there a reason I'd need to turn it back on?

Thanks.

Programs can be started upon startup in a variety of ways. One way is by added a shortcut to a program in the startup folder. Any programs listed there will automatically be started when Windows starts. The obvious way to stop one from starting is by removing it from Startup. The startup folder, itself, is not inherently bad - you just seem to have one (or more) program(s) that does not need to be initially started. Simply remove the bad programs from the startup folder and all should be fine.

There ARE other methods programs are started upon startup that are not as easily located or known. However, you would be required to edit the registry in order to remove those programs.