For some reason unknown to me, when starting up and closing down my PC I find a different layout screen to normal.

When starting up, I now have to click on my user name instead of the usual "Welcome to Windows XP" and then going straight to my desktop. Also, when shutting down, I no longer get the three coloured icons "Log off, shut down, restart", instead I get a drop down menu with options, and when selecting one of these you get a windows is "logging off" message.

I realise this doen't cause any harm, but when you get used to something clean and simple, it's annoying when it changes without reason. I've looked on Control panel | User Accounts| "My Name" | Change the way you log on etc but couldn't find a solution. Boxes are unticked.

The only things I've done to my PC recently, apart from trying to rid it of a pop up problem using Spybot, Adaware, HiJacklogs etc, and msconfig to remove it, but I've since changed the settings back and was careful not to chnage anything I didn't recognise. Also done normal windows updates and Norton updates. I plugged in a different monitor too, which doesn't always appear in the right settings (only 4bit display, crappy old CTX TFT monitor on trial, blurred graphics with XP, fine on Windows 2000 and '98, unable to find a driver online though. Occasionally graphics are fine on startup too).

Any suggestions greatfully received. Obviously not urgent, but a little frustrating! Thanks in advance.

What did you alter in msconfig Pagemaster?

Under the "start up" tab, I unchecked the tick box marked mbsmon32 which was found to be related to malicious code/virus which had been causing unwanted pop ups to lock my screen before a thorough clean up. However, this left the machine in "selective" or "diagnostic" mode, so switched back temporarily before being advised by Pancake to confirm this change.

The logon process however has stayed in this different format.

Have a look in Folder Options/View and see if "Use simple file sharing" is unticked.
If not untick it.
See if that does anything.

Sorry for delayed response Wolfeymole. I unticked the box marked "Display simple folder view in Explorer's Folder List", this was the only reference to simple file I could see. It didn't have any effect, the log off screen still gives me a drop down menu. But I think this is different from the file you were referring to. (pathway C Drive | Tools | Folder options...doesn't disply use simple file sharing)

Cheers.

Anybody have an idea why I now have to log on by clicking my user name (no password thank goodness) and I get a completely different shut down window (no 3 coloured icons)???

Could it be a windows update that I've installed? It's annoying as I can't just leave it alone to boot up now!