brockenspectre
If you want to find whats starting up, then if it's not in the Start Menu \ Programs \ start up folder, then it's in the registry under a key called run.
Word of warning, stuff up the registry and the computer could need a complete re-install.
run a program called regedit, search for "run", match the entire string otherwise it will find dozens and take forever.
When you find it chances are there are a whole heap of entries there commanding different exe's to run, you'll normally recognise what they are as the file path will give it away.
I often go in and delete out entires under "run" but First!!!! export the registry key in case anything you delete causes the system to mis-behave, that way you can add it back in.
This is real simple to play with the run key as it's not anything to do with the operating system, but using regedit it a great way to really destroy your software if you muck anything up, follow my advise at your own risk
Cheers