Windows XP Start Button is ugly if the Task Bar is on the right-hand edge of the screen

"Disable the desktop eyecandy. right-click My Computer > Properties > Advanced > Performance settings > on the Visual Effects tab, either select ""Adjust for best performance"" (clears all checkboxes) or select ""Custom"" and uncheck ""Use visual styles on windows and buttons"". You won't get the bubblegum Window-dressings or the shiny round Start button, but it may be more ""smaller, centered"".

You could also try finding other themes, but it sounds like your non-MS policy will prohibit most of your options there."

"You could try changing the theme to Windows Classic or something.
Sorry, I have better solutions, but they're all Non-Microsoft solutions"