starting windows xp

whenever i start up windows xp the desktop and taskbar opens normally,but the hourglass takes an age before it will let me click on anything on the taskbar. (i can click on icons on the desktop no problem).

 

What speed computer do you have? What other programs are running at startup? (startup folder, etc..) Use msconfig to see what all is loaded at startup. Also, what type of video card do you have? XP usually comes defaulted with a bunch of visiual effects that can slow down a computer. You may look at these and choose to turn some or all of them off. These are in the control panel under system properties - under the advanced tab, click on settings under performance. I'd change these to the best performance and see if that helps out.

Cory