Somehow my screen adjustments have been altered in my XP. I open up say a Word doc, then when I go to the internet & click on the screen it isn't the full size. I have to keep adjusting each time, by stretching out the corners. Then when I go to the next program that I want to I have to keep repeating the same process..

Try clicking the maximize button (the middle one).

Yeah see windows remembers the last window you opened and if it was maximized it will all open maximized, do what he said, middle button at the top right corner, kindof looks like two mini windows.