Hi Tricia, read all the posting and then decide what you wish to do. If you
are unfamiliar with editing the registry, you may wish to opt for Powertoys.
This setting can be used to remove the message on the Windows Welcome screen
showing the number of unread e-mails
Start>Run
Then type: regedit
Find or create the key below (see example):
Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called
"MessageExpiryDays" and set it according to the value data below.
Example:-
User Key:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail]
Value Name: MessageExpiryDays
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (0 = disabled, 3 = default)
Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the
change to take effect.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=304148
Overview of the Mail Notification Display on the Windows XP Welcome Screen
You can download and install *TweakUI for XP*
Powertoys for Win XP Pro
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp
Powertoys for Win XP Home
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/downloads/powertoys.asp
To disable unread mail notice for all users
HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail
MessageExpiryDays change to dword:00000000
To disable unread mail notice for current user
HKEY CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail
MessageExpiryDays change to dword:00000000
To simply clear the current unread count.
HKEY CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UnreadMail\
<your email account>MessageCount change to dword:00000000
Note you can save the registry key first by:
On the File menu, click Export.
In the File name box, type SaveKey, and then click Save.
Or create a system restore point prior to editing.
Note: If the registry key is not there, you can simply create one by going
edit > new.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;322756
HOW TO: Back Up, Edit, and Restore the Registry in Windows XP
Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may
require you to reinstall your operating system. Use the information provided
at your own risk.