Windows 7: welcome screen 2 min. delay

hi all!
when migrating from xp to 7 i was really hoping i would never have to worry about startup delays anymore. unfortunately they're back in town
my current problem is:
during the bootsequence, when the pc enters the welcome screen, it would stay there for about two minutes!!!!. after that, the start bar fires up and everything just runs fine. during the delay i see/hear "pc activity sounds"

btw: another issue - perhaps related: almost every boot inititates a chkdsk c:/ although the drive seems fine????

clues anyone?
my system:
intel quad e6800
8 gigs kingston

Some program is slow to load on start up, find out which one
How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

very interesting: the clean boot option made NO difference. same delay. does that make sense to you?

Solid color background?

Try safe mode. The color of the background is an interesting point.

yes

Try changing the color, takes a long time to boot the solid colors.

The Welcome screen may be displayed for 30 seconds during the logon process after you set a solid color as the desktop background in Windows 7 or in Windows Server 2008 R2

But like was stated, try using a non solid color one, or try that hotfix that came out months ago.

excellent guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you made my day

any ideas for the chkdsk on every boot issue?

Go to website of company that manufactured the HD and test it.