Windows 7 domain logon takes too long

Question

I have recently installed Windows 7 on my work laptop and am having an annoying problem when logging in to my domain user account.

If I initially try to log on to my domain user account, it takes an annoying 45 to 60 seconds until the "welcome" screen disappears and I can see my desktop.

If I log in to a local account, it takes about 10 seconds.

However, if I log on to the domain user account AFTER I've already logged in to the local account (switch user, or log off and THEN switch user), it takes about 10 seconds as well.

What could be the problem? How would I solve this?

EDIT: This is not the desktop background problem. My wallpaper is not a solid color, it's an image.

Answer 1

Do you have a solid background color? There is a known bug (and Hotfix) where that causes the login to take ages, and as far as I believe to know, joining a domain gives you the default blue background.

Try using a background picture and see if that helps.

Answer 2

For computers attached to a domain controller, make sure that the FIRST DNS server listed in the IP Address settings is the DC. If it is not, this will often times cause the delayed login.

Answer 3

It could be that your domain is set up to use roaming profiles. If that's the case, the extra time for that first log on is spent copying the profile down from the server.

Answer 4

Add DNS IP to host file.

Answer 5

Very simple for Windows 7. When logging in enter the domain name\username. For example my domain's name is Chip and Username is Monk then enter at the username field as chip\monk and it will fix the problem.