Maximum volume on startup on laptop

[Cameron Hutchison]

I have just installed Ubuntu 9.10 on my Dell inspirion 8500, and when it
start up and shows the login screen, it plays a short sound. This is
played at maximum volume, and I can't find any way to make it play at a
lower volume or not at all.

It also plays the login sound at max volume, but I could turn that off
by changing my preferences for sound. Those preferences do not apply to
the login window, so every time I start my laptop, I get a VERY loud
drum sound that makes everyone turn around and ask "what was that?"

How can I make Ubuntu 9.10 remember a decent volume on startup?