First off, I'm running Windows XP SP2, and this problem occured after I installed these updates:
Security Update for Windows Media Player 10 for Windows XP (KB917734)
Windows XP Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130)
Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - July 2006 (KB890830)
Windows XP Security Update for Windows XP (KB917159)
Windows XP Security Update for Windows XP (KB914388)
Windows XP Update for Windows XP (KB916595)
Windows XP Security Update for Windows XP (KB911280)
Windows XP Security Update for Windows XP (KB917953)
Windows XP Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer for Windows XP (KB916281)
Windows XP Security Update for Windows XP (KB918439)
Windows XP Security Update for Windows XP (KB917344)
Windows XP Security Update for Windows XP (KB914389)
So as I said, I installed the above updates and then it prompted me to restart, so I did. After Windows restarted completely, I did my usual defragmentation of my HDD and shutdown (as I always do after installing major programs or updates). Then I started up the PC again, it showed the welcome screen and then the desktop as usual, and then it just hanged there for about 30 seconds. After the 30 seconds, it finally started to load the taskbar and everything else. I tried defraging and restarting again, but no luck, it still hangs there.
So basically, one of those updates caused this problem for me. I remember this problem also occured when I installed Ad-Aware SE a few months back (I uninstalled it immediately after that and haven't had any problems since). I probably should have made a restore point before using Windows Update, but unfortunately, I didn't (I'll be sure to do so in the future).
I'm unsure which update caused the problem, but I think it may be this one: Windows XP Update for Windows XP (KB916595) (is it possible to uninstall the update?). Any help would greatly be appreciated. :D
If the updates come with an uninstall feature, they will be located in the Windows directory. To see them, in Explorer, go to Tools, Folder Options. Click on View, and select "show hidden files and folders". While your there, also uncheck "hide extensions for known file types". That is a feature best used to identify file problems such as recognizing viruses.
If you do not see your KB as it's only blue folder, it will be listed in the top $sh_migs$ folder and will not have an uninstall program.
