In my Windows 98 desktop, I used these instructions to eliminate the splash
screen when starting OE:

To remove the 'splash' screen that appears when opening Outlook Express, you
will need to modify the registry. If you are comfortable doing so, run
"regedit.exe" Navigate down to HKEY_CURRENT_USER, Software, Microsoft, then
click on "Outlook Express." On the right pane, right-click on a blank area,
choosing "New" then "DWORD Value." Name this value "NoSplash." Right-click
on the new DWORD Value you made and choose "Modify." On the dialog box that
appears, enter "1" as the value data and press OK to close the dialog box.
Now, close Registry Editor. --

I've just used the same instructions in my laptop with Windows XP, and the
splash screen still appears. It just flashes for a second, but it does
appear. How can I eliminate the spash screen altogether?

Thanks,
Larry