Generic Computer Window's XP, 2.66 duo core processor, 3 gigs ram, 360 g HD...PROBLEM w/SYSTEM CONFIG.

I have way to many programs running (51) under the scenes, and I cannot stop them...can't even delete them via system restore, nor do I know (using SYSTEM MECHANIC) which states only 8 are needed 10 are somewhat okay and the rest are not needed at all and one is dangerous.

I'm running Window's XP...and when I hit config (or msconfig)....I Get a HUGE list of items running at start-up that, I do not need and is slowing down my computer.

Is there anybody, who knows what programs need to be running and what do not...what's safe to UNCHECK and have more performance, of course, then I'd have to keep the program in a state of "SAFE MODE"....but I"ll accept that just to fix this problem.

PLease..if anybody has a list of what's needed and what's not, what's safe and not safe to click off...and then keep it in SAFE MODE (if I"m making sense, I hope)?

                                                                               Thank you so much, Jay