Recently, when booting my system, the Windows folder opens first. Usually my desktop does, which is preferred. How would I turn this off(?) I just can't find the right way. Thanks in advance.

do you mean that windows explorer opens?

if so; found this:

technically, your desktop is explorer. however, make sure the 'shell' line
in your c:\windows\system.ini file reads:

shell=explorer.exe

and that there are no extensions after the "explorer.exe" part.

Thanks for reply Jephree. Here's actually what happens...when I boot up, instead of my regular desktop opening, the "windows folder" (C:\Win ) opens and as you know, shows subsequent folders. Thanks again for any ideas.

I am not familiar with ME in particular but the following may apply:

Work your way down this route:

Start/
Programs/
Accessories/
System Tools/
System Information/
Tools/
System Configuration Utility/
Startup/

Look for the offending program and uncheck its box.

Re: "explorer.exe" make sure that there are no extensions after the "explorer.exe" part.

also

Run regedit, and look at

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion.

Look at the entries that end with "Run," "RunOnce," etc. Find a key with no
value set, but just a pair of quotation marks ( "" ). Delete only this
one key, and re-boot.

The offending entry may also be in HKEY_CURRENT_USER, under the same
type of entry.

Like altering system files, modifying the registry can be risky and D-A-L.com and its members cannot accept liability for any adverse effects caused by following advice freely given on this site.