>>>>Sorry, Nadya, I'm out of ideas. Thought it would be an easy one and as it turns out it's a real nasty .....
>>>>
>>>>It appears word is asking for a lot of memory when starting. Maybe you can start by turning off the spelling checker and see what happens
>>>
>>>Thanks, Gregory. I think, my problem is how can I control what programs are running in the background. E.g. there are several programs running as startup which I never use and really do not need. What is the proper way to take control of my Windows XP behavior?
>>
>>
>>hi Nadya,
>>
>>I find there are three
>>
>>(1) RightClick Start | Explore and delete some in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
>>
>>(2) Start | All Programs | administrative tools | Services && take care here
>>
>>(3) Start | Run | enter MsConfig, go to tab Startup.
>>You can uncheck some modules. Take care
>>
>>You can also see the modules that are running with Start | Run | msinfo32, and expand Software Environment ((or Start | all programs | accessories | System tools | system information))
>>
>>
>>Whatever you do, first create a system restore point (Start | all programs | accessories | System tools | system restore)
>>
>>Good luck
>
>Gregory,
>
>Thanks a lot. It is very helpful advice, I cleaned some stuff.

You're welcome Nadya. Of course, the RAM of the computer counts too. With XP I'd say one needs at least 256k for some basic comfort

You can also increase your virtual memory (My computer, RightClick, properties, Advanced, Performance Settings, Advanced, Virtual Memory, Change).