Startup programs and Hijackthis log

Hi all,
Upon startup my PC (XP) is really slow and I've gone into msconfig to reduce some of the drag. Problem is, I'm not totally sure about the necessity of some of the programs so am afraid to disable them. In trying to research this I came across Hijackthis app and ran it, but don't know what to do with the results. Please Help!
Carol

Welcome to Safer Networking, I wish to be sure you have viewed and understand this information.
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Please make sure you have read this information so we are on the same page.

Hi Carol, This is the malware removal forum and we are extremely busy as are all malware removal forums. If you have a malware problem, please read and follow the directions and then post a HijackThis log for help with the malware issues.

Since you posted, I will post some information for you.

What to do if your Computer's running slowly
http://www.netsquirrel.com/msconfig/msconfig_xp.html
To help you know what the items are:
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/startups/
http://www.malwareremoval.com/tutorials/runningslowly.php
http://users.telenet.be/bluepatchy/miekiemoes/slowcomputer.html

I suggest you read all of the information pinned (sticky) to the top of this forum, it is there for you.

Thanks...Phil