Internet Explorer does not open maximized when you click on the short cut in the Start menu.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555217
Freeware Utilities:
http://www.jiisoft.com/iemaximizer/Screenshots.aspx
http://www.brianapps.net/sizer.html
You might also consider installing:
Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...powertoys.mspx as iirc, it has some settings that are applicable to IE and one of them is\was to maximi(z)se IE's windows.
Alternatively, there is this method that used to work some years ago:
Open two instances of the IE window - enlarge them and whilst holding down the 'shift' key, close each one in turn.
HTH