Yes you can.  Type netplwiz in the Run box. Then un-click the box in front of "User must enter a password....". After pressing Apply you will be asked to enter your password.  Next go to Power Options. At the left side of the screen should be "Require a password on wakeup. Select this and make the changes and you are good to go.
I recently set up my new Dell Inspiron 660 with Windows 7; my wife and I are the only ones who use this computer. Rather than have to enter a password each time we want to use the computer I was wondering if there is a way to disable this feature so we can simply turn the computer on and use it; no need to enter the password.   Thanks
New computer, new to Windows 7. Can I disable the password feature on the start 
up screen?