With XP’s Welcome logon screen enabled, users will be presented with a list of their unread email messages when the screen is displayed. This list of unread messages is generated for users individually and takes into account unread messages from programs like Outlook, Outlook Express, Hotmail, and so forth depending on a user’s setup.
While this feature makes it easier for casual users to determine whether it’s worth logging on or not, it can also be downright annoying. If you’d rather not have the unread email message list appear on the Welcome screen, a simple change can make it happen.
One way to remove the unread email message is to edit the Registry directly, but a safer method is by using Microsoft’s free Tweak UI PowerToy. With the program open, browse to Logon > Unread Mail and then uncheck the Show unread mail on Welcome screen check box. Next, choose a suitable option in the Scope section, for example whether this setting should apply to your user account only, or all user accounts. Once complete, click OK and enjoy.
