Why is there a long pause after I login?

I am using an Aspire One Netbook with Windows XP HOME (note HOME not PRO.) When I login using only the wireless network, (not a wired connection) there is a long pause after I enter my password before the PC is ready. I'm left waiting with a blank desktop. After about a minute or so Windows finishes and the machine is useable.

It seems as though the machine is being held up by trying to establish a wireless network connection during startup. The delay is not being caused by viruses or by the apps which load at startup. The problem doen't show if I am connected via a wired network connection.

What can I try with Windows XP Home to solve this? My other laptop does not have this problem. (Dell Inspiron 1300.)