sorry, jim. not being an i.t. person, i never have to explain stuff, i just do it. i think the first time i ever used the system configuration utility (msconfig), i just read the microsoft knowledge base article and did it.
the key is the services and programs on the services and startup tabs. when you perform a clean boot, you'll disable all but the microsoft services. if links runs without crashing, you know there's a non-microsoft service or program conflicting with links. if links still crashes, i doubt seriously if there's a microsoft problem, it's probably a corrupted file within links (reinstall), corrupted sound file, or corrupted course file.
if you find links runs fine after a clean boot, you'll start with the services tab, and add one service, start links, add another service, start links, etc. then do the same for the startup tab. like i said, tedious, but i've found several programs conflicting with each other over the years.
http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?s=c46d41f91f948c830e32d6a33065d6af&t=67799
as an afterthought, the biggest problem i ever had with links was the graphics drivers. i used to just install drivers on top of drivers without ever properly uninstalling the old. that caused legacy driver files to conflict with the new.
try this link and reinstall your graphics driver. could save you all the msconfig pain. (8