LinuxQuestions.org - GNOME Start-up error

On login, I normally default to KDE desktop; however, every onece in a while I've wanted to log in to start GNOME. When I do, I get what looks like multiple attempts to initialize bottom task bar (multiple flashes on the white outline of the bar) and then to alert dialog boxes in succession, the second overlaying the first.

First alert: "There was an error starting the Gnome settings daemon..."
Second alert: "I've detected a panel already running and will exit now."

Gnome eventually starts but without normal settings, e.g., desktop folders. etc.

This problem started sometime after upgrading to 7.04, so I believe that there might me some start-up script/file somewhere with old settings not commented out, as well new ones that should have superseded, rather than coexisted with, the new ones. If I could only ID the exact file I would presulably be able to comment out the offending legacy settings line.

Can someone please help me ID the file that on start up initializes Gnome desktop settings? (or maybe give me some new idea?

Thanks, cwej