Unattended startup

Set up a user account, then use the Local Users and Groups snapin in the MMC window or the Users in the control panel and select it to automatically log in

I did it on my machine (running XP Pro) and it worked a treat

Maelgwyn

Start regedit, then go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon, then change the setting for the key AutoAdminLogon from the value 0 to 1.

If you don't want to mess around in the registry yourself, download the Microsoft Powertoys for Windows XP. The Utility "Tweakui" lets you set autologon options.

Are you sure you need to login to your PC? Filesharing and printer sharing should normally start as a service and don't need any userlogon.

If you are the only person using the computer and what to have it automatically log you on,

Start / Run / "control userpasswords2" - no quotes
Uncheck User must enter a user name and password to use this computer

Try Administratove Tools --> Local Security Policy --> Local Policies --> Security Options --> Disable the requiremnet for Ctrl-Alt-Del.

Having said this...if this PC is part of a domain, then this may not work depending on your group policy.

Also, a user does not have to be logged on in order for you to get files to/from the computer. You can get what you need via the UNC path. Also, I suggest using Remote Desktop Control (comes with XP) for interaction with said machine. You'll need to enable it first though.