Triple,
Not sure whether you still have the problem you describe.
If so, I might be able to help as I had exactly the same problem a while ago !
Do you have a network card and network elements installed on your PC, by any chance ?
If so, when you boot-up, windows asks you to log on to the windows network (even if your PC is standalone and not currently connected to a LAN)
If you click on "cancel" (which is the logical thing to do 'cos there isn't a network to log on to !), then the password cache-ing will NOT be enabled !!
So, conclusion, you MUST enter your network password followed by OK at bootup. You will then be able to save your internet password and re-use it !
Hope this helps.
Brit