BleepingComputer.com: To many apps running at startup

I have a lot of "issues" going on (to many applications at start up, to many apps/processes running, computer running very slow, etc) - in addition, Internet Explorer won't load pages (with ad-ons). I was able to get it running without add-ons and then downloaded Firefox, but that loads up VERY slowly. I will be the first to admit that I am not very comfortable/competent working with computers, so I greatly appreciate any help (have gotten great advice/help here in the past).

I know that my connection is fine, as I can access the net with my other computer (lap top) without any problems. I have disconnected and reconnected the modem and router but IE still doesn't seem to cooperate. I have also ran several scans (Spybot Search and Destroy, Symantec scan, Ad Aware scan) to try and detect any virus I may have contracted..........but am now at a loss.

Any ideas?

Thanks a lot!

With so many problems, I don't know where to start, what the cause may be, nor where this post should be placed........please move if need be.

Ideally, I'd love some advice on how to clean up what is going on, make things run more smoothly, and how to get IE working agin.

go to Start-->control panel-->add/remove programs and uninstall (add-ons) like toolbars for IE
go Start-->Run and type msconfig then press enter
go to start up tab (these are programs that start when windows starts) they can be stopped from running by unchecking them and rebooting
you will want to keep some of them so you will have to search google to help you find out what each program does.
you could un check 1 at a time to see which program may be affecting your computer adversely.

also download ATF cleaner to get rid of temp files and other junk