Programs don't work on start up

[juvenile_delinquent]

Hi,
Sometimes when my computer starts up, none of the programs work.
I can only open folders, but no files or programs.
Even the task manager doesn't show up with Ctrl+Alt+Delete. Even tried typing 'taskmgr' in Start > Run. But got nothing.
AND the computer doesn't even shut down.

When I try to open files or run programs or shut down, nothing happens. Nothing at all.
The only thing I can do it turn the power off and on again and hope it works.

At first I thought it happens because of not shutting down properly (power cuts). But then I noticed it happens even when I shut down properly.

I don't want to act like a patient diagnosing himself, but I think my processes don't start up properly.

Any suggestions?

PS: You know the 'Windows Updates' icon that appears in the system tray on start up? It doesn't show up sometimes. And I noticed that the programs work properly when 'Windows Updates' icon shows up. When it doesn't appear on start up, thats when the programs don't work.
The other icons (AVG, ATI Graphics Controller) always show up.
Don't know if that will help, but just thought you might want to know.

Have Windows XP installed, Pentium 4, 3.06GHz, 2GB RAM.

Thanks,
Farhang

 

[Yasa_Zidfrau]

Check your startup and service at msconfig

 

[juvenile_delinquent]

Check your startup and service at msconfig

What do I check there? Its not like it happens every time.
It happens about 6 out of 10 times. Doesn't happen every time.
And if you mean to check 'msconfig' when it happens, well I can't because nothing works then.

Come on guys... I expected more from the people here...