Computer Help and Support

As I don't have a Vista machine here.

First you need to have the 'Run' command showing in the menu when you click on the Start button. If you already have it, OK. If not:
Right click on the start button
Select Properties
Click Customise (or Customize for you guys )
Then check the box third down 'Display Run'

OK. Now you should have a new item in your start menu. Run....

Click on it and type in msconfig and hit enter

A dialogue box with several tabs across the top will open. Select 'Startup' on or near the right hand side

Every ticked box is something that runs at startup. I reckon you can safely turn them ALL off except any of these you are running:
Anti-virus
Anti-malware
VPN

You won't do any damage and if your a bit trepidacious, make a note of what you've turned off so you can restore if not happy. Click OK and it will tell you to reboot.
On reboot you should get a message about making changes. Just go yeah, yeah, yeah.... and close the box.

I've seen literally dozens of programs fight for CPU cycles at startup. Also helps shut down the machine more efficiently not to have all this shit running, most of which was put there without your knowledge!

Feel free to PM if anything goes pear-shaped.