sporadic multiple nautilus windows at login

[Alex <spam twelve17 com>]

I'm using Ubuntu 6.10 which uses GNOME 2.16. Sometimes when I log into 
the GNOME desktop, a whole slew of random nautilus windows appear for no 
apparent reason.  The number of windows can vary, and is typically 
between three and six.  Also, this is usually accompanied by a failure 
to display my chosen desktop background and desktop icons. If I log out 
and then back in again, the problem goes away, only to return on a 
future login.

The summary above is paraphrased from another user who I know is 
experiencing this behavior as well.  Here is our discussion:

http://gnomesupport.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=56109#56109

If someone could provide assistance as to how to debug this, it would be 
highly appreciated.

Thanks,

--Alex