Crash with R1.7.0 + Windows XP Professional

Dear R-Help,

I've had some problems installing the R 1.7.0 binary on Windows XP 
Professional. If I launch R from the Start Menu or the Desktop, R crashes. 
However, if I launch by double-clicking on an .RData file, R loads up just 
fine. I've never had any problems with previous versions/OS. Has anyone 
else encountered this problem?

Thanks!
Simon