It can be a Registry error. If you have a Sound Blaster Audigy sound card,
Visit
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm and scroll down to Item
No. 260. In the right column, click on "System32 Folder Opens pon Boot".
Download this repair file and then run the repair.
If you don't have this sound card, See
www.dougknox.com, Win XP Utilities,
Startup Programs Tracker. This small utility scans your system for startup
programs and running processes. It also allows you to create a log file
that can be copied and pasted into a newsgroup post. The contents of the
program window are also copied to the Windows Clipboard, automatically.
You're looking for items that load from the Registry that have long file
names (spaces in the path or file name) that aren't enclosed in quotes. If
found, then click Start, Run and navigate to the registry key indicated by
the log.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Are likely locations. If such an entry is found, simply double click on it
and put quotes around it.