To configure IE to open a maximized window by default: Start > (All)
Programs > right-click on IE > Properties > Run > select Maximized.
To resize (not maximize) a smaller window:
1. Close all but one IE window
2. "Grab" the opposing corners with your cursor and stretch the window to
desired size (e.g., full-screen); Do NOT maximize it!
3. Close the resized window.
=> The resized window *must* be the last one closed for the size to be
remembered.