IMAPI is part of XP's cd-burning system.. I can't see why it not starting at bootup would cause any kind of freeze on your system..
more likeyl is that when it tries to start, it conflicts with something else on your system.. such as InCD or Adaptecs Direct CD..
a little more info would be useful... such as what burning software you have installed.. exactly when the freeze occurs.. etc. etc.
oh and by the way.. IMAPI is a system service.. not a TSR.. so go into control panel ->Administrative tools->Services to activate it.. (you can also set it to automatically start on bootup from here too)
