From time to time my computer startup stalls. I get the initial splash and get to my wallpaper, but activity stops there with the exception of the cursor hourglass activity. When I key in ctrl+alt+delete, I see "Explorer not responding" in the tasks window. I have to physically shut down (by switch); start again; go through the "improper shutdown detected" machinations to get going again. I'm using a Dell Dimension L933r, 933 mhz machine and Windows Me. I've scanned for viruses and spyware/adware at regular intervals and cleaned up anything I've found. This problem still persists. I've now lived with this annoyance for a few months. All windows and other microsoft software was OEM installed except for occasional updates I installed as prompted. Any leads as to possible cause and correction?

Have you tried a System Restore to a date prior to the problem starting?