Windows always open minimized

I just got a new computer with Windows 7 at work. Irregardless of the software I am running, anytime I open up a new window, it is automatically opened minimized. How can I get the system to automatically open all windows maximized like my old system with XP? I tried changing the properties of the program shortcuts but it doesn't make any difference whether I set it to Normal, Maximize or Minimize. The windows always open up minimized.

I did a google search on this problem and cannot find a single other sole with this problem! Any brilliant ideas? Thank you.

Press ALT+Spacebar and letter X. That maximizes. Letter N minimizes. Once you get the hang of it, it's really handy.

I've tried all your suggestions but nothing works! I think I'm stuck with minimized windows. If you ever run across this in the future, please come back to this post and let me know that I am not alone. Thanks to all for your replys.

Hi, mine all open minimised, and they used to open as full windows, it doesn't bother me, but now that you mention it I will see if I can find a reason for the change and will get back to you if I do.

I am not sure but I think that I have read it in this forums ..just maximize the window and click and hold ALT and the red X .. open again and your window should open maximized .

Thanks madmansam, that seems to work.

from the desktop,, right click ie, select properties,in the run in, select normal... Then open ie,, make sure it is in the restore down mode... Use the mouse to set the size of ie,,that you want your shortcuts to open... Close ie... Open it again to check that it opens to the size that you want... Close ie... Now go back to ie properties,, select run in maximized... Now ie will open maximized and the shortcuts will open in the restore down mode that you sized.