> BTW, there is a simpler way to get rid of the lag.  Create a 
> shortcut and include the image name in the shortcut, if you
> start the VM with an image name it seems it does not go through
> the pause.  So I simply have to crate a shortcut and the time
> lag goes away.

Yup. That's the rule. Give it a name and the VM won't try to start the
service.

> Thanks for the help Andreas

You're welcome. BTW, if you (or somebody else) happens to know a better way
of finding out whether the VM is running as an NT service or not, then
please let me know!

Cheers,
  - Andreas