desktop icons don't load

can anybody please help me with this strange phenomena?
when i start my computer and choose my account (i share it with my girlfriend and daughter) desktop photo appears but no icons.
This remains that way untill i click e-mail or firefox. Then it gives a message that my security isn't on, but this text balloon immediately disappears and then my icons appear and it starts the mail or browser.
what can this possibly be?
it's as if everything starts working not untill i open the browser.
Any ideas?
Thanks, Axel.

If this is a new problem and you are running XP try a System Restore to a point prior to the problem.

start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

thanks for replying...i still have some questions though;

ok, but what do i lose if i do?
and...what may cause this inconvenience....is it a threat to my pc?
thanks jephree.

System Restore will reset the registry to the point that you choose.

If you installed any programs or Windows updates after the chosen point they will be removed.

Data is not affected.

Hard to pin-point a cause. Malware is always a first suspect.

If a System Restore doesn't work then we can try to diagnose it further.

System Restore is the easiest and least destructive method of first aid here.