When the computer is switched-on it goes through the usual Windows boot routine, briefly shows the desktop and then automatically loads Outlook Express. How can I prevent Outlook Express from loading on startup? The computer is running Windows Me.

It looks like Outlook Express has either gotten into the ‘Startup’ program group or the Run key in the Windows registry. Firstly, go to the ‘Start’ menu > ‘Programs’ > ‘Startup’. Check if Outlook Express or ‘msimn.exe’ is in the Startup group. If so, right-click on the item and select ‘Delete’. Should neither of these be in the Startup group, Outlook Express may be set in the registry to start automatically when Windows loads. Go to the ‘Start’ menu > ‘Run’ and type ‘msconfig’ (without the quotes) and click OK. In the window that appears, click the ‘Startup’ tab. Look through the list of items which load on startup and look for any references to Outlook Express. If you find a reference, untick the box next to the item, click OK and restart the computer. Outlook Express should no longer load at startup.