can connect to remote computer but on desktop wallpaper appears

[matt the novice]

Help Pleaseee...
This my first time connecting to my remote computer. I
can establish a connection, yet when connected all i have
is the background/theme and my mouse pointer moving
around in space. The full remote desktop(icons,etc) are
not there. note: both client/remote are running xp pro
and have dsl, which unfortonately only gives a fast
connection to the desktop wallpaper(no programs) of the
remote computer.

please help("i'm buying too many books on xp pro")

 

[Mahadev Alladi[MS]]

Do you have a start menu atleast and can you check if you have any programs
on startup that are taking too much time to start?