Log in only shows desktop picture but no windows

When I log into my xp media profile about every third time it only shows the
desktop and no tool bar or icons or anything...I heard it my be the size of
my profile but anyway, its getting old..I have to ctl/alt/del and log out and
log back in..Any suggestions? System is all up to date with ms updates, new
mo board with 2.4 pent, 4 gigs ram, nvidia 9400 geforce vid card...