I have windows xp and when I start it up the "Program Files" folder
window pops up.  I can't find this folder listed in any of the startup
files.  any clues on how to make it from popping up at start up?

This may becasue of the entry in the "Run' key. Use the regedit to
find this registry key which has your program file directory as value.
Hope that helps.

you can use msconfig to see all startup programs. To run msconfig,
run:
"msconfig" (without qoutes)

another reason is maybe during shutdown you left the folder window
open, then during startup, Windows XP automatically opens this
windows.

guybrush152