"lock computer" feature problem

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

I've been having this issue for a long time now and have tried everything to
fix and cannot for the life of me figure out what the problem is.

Below are the specs of my system:
dell inspiron 5100
P4
2.6ghz
windows xp pro with sp2
512 mb ram

What happens is when i use the Ctrl+alt+delete and click on "lock computer"
and then then type in my username and password to login it takes an extremely
long time for the desktop items and taskbar to appear. It doesn't matter how
long the computer has been locked as I have tried right away after locking it
as well and no change. I have no spyware or malware. I've even fomatted the
pc and reinstalled all basic programs i needed and still got the same result.
Tried booting into safe mode and got the same result. Tried creating a
different user account and logging in and locking and again got the same
result. It happens both when I am connected to the network or not. I don't
have fast user switching enabled nor the welcome screen and using the windows
+ L feature gives me the same result.

Has anyone ever seen this before or have any suggestions on a fix. Could it
be a hardware issue with Dell?

Appreciate any assistance.
--
Jen