[Ham-Computers] Not sure why, but password access fixed long term problems (Win XP)

[Philip (KO6BB)]

Hi,
Operating system here is Win XP Pro, machine 3.6GHz Pentium 4 Dual Core, 4 
GB High Speed RAM.  Browser of choice Firefox.  I had the log-on set up so 
that NO password was required, in other words, it would go directly to my 
desktop (I'm the only user and am Admin).

For a long time now (Since SP 2 anyway), I've had two recurring problems on 
this machine, EVEN AFTER reloading the entire OS and programs.

1.  This first problem is apparently VERY COMMON!   Bottom right corner of 
taskbar wouldn't show most minimized programs (other than Avast anti-virus 
and the Network connection).  MUCH research and Googling seemed to indicate 
that this was primarily attributed to the machine booting too fast and not 
posting the Icons.  I tried a couple different programs and found that 
"TaskbarRepairToolPlus" worked best, but had to be run every time I rebooted 
the computer, a pain in the butt.  I tried a different program that delayed 
the start-up of many programs automatically, it worked and , but not as 
well.

2.  Firefox is my browser of choice (by default).  For some reason, the 
shortcuts on my desktop would have the Firefox Icon when first installed, 
but then I.E would "Hijack" them and put the I.E. Icon there (though they 
still opened with Firefox.

Anyway, this weekend I decided to put a password on all my computers, just 
in case one was stolen.  So now, I get the log-on page and have to enter a 
password before I can continue.

FOR SOME STRANGE REASON, I have NOT had a single problem since, either with 
the "missing minimized icons", OR with I.E. Hijacking the desktop shortcuts! 
The only thing I can figure out is that while it's sitting there waiting for 
a "log-on" the machine has sufficient time to fully boot. . .   The problems 
were severe enough that if it was going to act up, it would have done so 
already.

Any other ideas?

73 de Phil,  KO6BB
http://ko6bb1.multiply.com/ (My OTR Blog)
http://www.qsl.net/ko6bb/   (Web Page)

DX begins at the noise floor!
RADIO: Yaesu FT-2000.
Antennas:  88' Ladder-Line fed dipole.
Merced, Central California, 37.3N 120.48W  CM97sh