Windows XP Pro SP3 loads, but with long delay on page that says "Welcome." Then desktop background appears with no icons and no task bar. Five minutes or more later the icons, taskbar and startup program (google chrome) appeara. Or when blank, colored desktop first appears, I can ctrl-alt del and get task manager. Then browse to Run Google Chrome and click OK and up comes Chrome and eventually the icons and task bar, and I am good for the session. Nothing to do with Google Chrome, because I was using it for quite a while before this happened. I saw a reference to a hot fix but am afraid to use it as I am not sure it is dealing with my particular problem. Also saw a suggestion to right click on the blank desktop. That did nothing.1 person needs an answerI do too

First thing I'd do is a malware check, and a 'trim' of what's loading at startup. Malkeleah has this to say on these subjects.... <quote> A.The first step is always to make sure your computer is virus/malware free. http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware B. If the computer is virus/malware-free, drivers are current, and no Norton or McAfee programs are installed, then do clean-boot troubleshooting to see which program/process is the culprit: How to perform a clean boot in Vista and XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796 How to perform a clean boot in Windows Vista or Windows 7 - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135 C. If you need more information, here is an excellent shutdown troubleshooter - http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm Standard caveat: If troubleshooting the issue is too difficult - and there is absolutely no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a computer repair shop. This will not be your local BigComputerStore/GeekSquad type of place. Get recommendations from family, friends, colleagues. </quote> HTH -- Noel Paton CrashFixPC Nil Carborundum Illegitemi www.crashfixpc.co.uk