XP: System hangs at startup and more often than not ignores my
Taskbar icon preferences. Any help greatly appreciated,
Thanks.

boot into safe mode


i suggest you boot into safe mode, remove unnecessary startup programs, and uninstall programs that you suspect to slowdown the computer.


OR..

you might want to boot into "safe mode with networking support" and then go online to download a registry cleaner like CCleaner

follow one of our previous discussions below, it might help you speedup your computer's performance
http://www.syschat.com/pc-cleaner-software-6671.html

DominicD: Many thanks for the tips. I am very impressed with SysChat, had quit using the old Forums due to rudeness of so-called 'experts', but so far don't see that problem here.

glad i could help, see you around the forums