On every startup a " log on to windows" box appears. How, pray tell, can i get rid of this nuisance ?

From the run command, type in control userpasswords2 and hit enter. Uncheck users must enter a name and password to use this computer. It doesn't provide any protection for someone other then you accessing your "stuff". The other way to change it is to go to settings>control panel>user accounts. Click on the link for change the way users log on and off.

Thanks for the guidance but it did not work, may be i was putting in the wrong words, Could you please put a large space in front and behind the words i need to put in the run box, that way will know what to put in the box. I assume the words should be without spaces between threm too ? Thanks you for the assistance.

I have XP Home Edition like you. I think any such RUN command is only in XP Pro. I guess you want to Automatically Logon -- If you have Net Framework 1.1 in Add/Remove Programs, then you have to Update it here --- http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827... The Welcome to Windows screen appears when you start Windows XP after you install the .NET Framework 1.1 -------------- AUTOMATIC LOGON: In Control Panel, click User Accounts, then "Change the way users log on or off", check mark both items-- "Use Welcome Screen", and "Use Fast User Switching" Also to say if you have Guest Account showing at Log on, then turn it off. In User Accounts, click Guest Account, then click "Turn off Guest Account". http://support.microsoft.com/defaul... How to automatically log on to a user account in Windows XP

Thanks a bunch Chuck 2, it worked like a charm. Your a good guy for helping out. Merry Xmas to you !