If you want to select only a specific item at start up use this code
ComboBox1.SelectedIndex = 0
To make you app remember which item was select when it closed and reselect it on start up you will need to first create a property in your Settings.vb file
1) Right click your project in the solution explorer (or double click on the "My Project" folder in solution explorer)
2) Click on properties
3) In the tab window that opens click on the settings tab to the left
4) Add a new property called ComboSelectedIndex and set its type to Integer
the use this code
Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As System.Object, e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
ComboBox1.SelectedIndex = My.Settings.ComboSelectedIndex
End Sub
Private Sub Form1_FormClosing(sender As System.Object, e As System.Windows.Forms.FormClosingEventArgs) Handles MyBase.FormClosing
My.Settings.ComboSelectedIndex = ComboBox1.SelectedIndex
My.Settings.Save()
End Sub
If you need more explanation let me know and I will try to help.