Windows 7: How do I hide Windows 7 Welcome Screen

I run Windows 7 Home Premium (64) with IE8 and MSE.
When I power the PC on I first get the "Windows Starting up" screen with the Windows 7 logo and then I get the blue "Welcome screen" with the flower stalk image across it. I don't get or want the logon password box and there are no User Account details or pictures on the screen - it's just "Welcome". As this screen serves no purpose for me I would like it to be hidden/disabled so that at boot the PC would go from the "Windows starting" screen straight to my "Desktop" (I am the only user and the PC is in a secure environment).

I have searched extensively for an answer and tried all the recommended steps - control userpasswords2 and then untick etc - but nothing works. Can anyone advise, please, how to hide the blue screen with just "Welcome" on it?

Many Thanks

Pete, a big welcome to you to Seven Forums!

If you are talking about what I think you are talking about, the window that pops up after a windows installation, then there should be a small box on the far bottom left (hard to see) to uncheck that will keep it from popping up any more.

If you want to hide the screen where you enter your password and have you automatically log on, see this: Log On Automatically at Startup
In addition, you can set the computer to require or not require a password when it wakes up from sleep: Password - Require on Wakeup

Hope this answers your question.

Many thanks for this. Unfortunately the tutorial Log On Automatically at Startup doesn't work on my PC. I don't have to log on but the "Welcome" screen still displays for a few seconds before it automatically goes to Desktop. I'm trying to eliminate the welcome bit which has no purpose and just delays getting to Desktop for a few extra seconds. In XP this disappeared when you ticked "Change how users logon" but this option is not given in Windows 7.

Pete, it cannot disappear because it is during that time that Windows is loading. Perhaps some kind of customization can change its look, but it is a part of Windows.

Many thanks for your explanation which resolves my query. I have at least been able to change the background wallpaper which makes that screen easier on the eye.
Regards, Pete