It seems you're having difficulties with Messenger. A good way of getting rid of it in XP Pro is Start->Run->gpedit.msc. This brings up the Group Policy window. Open User Configuration->Administrative Templates->Windows Components->Windows Messenger. There are two settings, "Do not allow Windows Messenger to be run" and "Do not automatically start Windows Messenger initially". Double-click on each in turn and set them to "Enabled". That stops Messenger under normal cirumstances.
If you use Outlook Express you will need to make a registry change to avoid a lengthy pause as OE tries to start Messenger when it opens. Start->Run->regedit then navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Outlook Express. Add a new DWORD, name it Hide Messenger, give it value 2. That's it.
That may not do much to speed up your machine but it will get rid of the pesky Messenger if it's annoying you. Hope it helps.
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