Frozen Taskbar

[Tom]

The computer at the office (Windows XP) taskbar stopped working. I can’t access the start menu or re-open minimised programs etc.
I googled several solutions, but none have worked.
Any ideas?

[Gryper]

Is the taskbar visible but you can’t access anything on it?

[Tom]

Yes sir, the taskbar is there but rollover text does not appear and minimised program tabs seemingly disappear.

[Gryper]

Several questions:

1. does the ctl alt del work?

2. how many windows are open?

3. have you tried rebooting in safe mode to see if the task bar works in that mode?

[Tom]

1. yes
2. I’ve had up to 3, but have to collapse and shift around to avoid using the taskbar.
3. no

[Solai]

Do you have a Windows key? What happens when you press it?

[Gryper]

How long has it been frozen?

Did it freeze immediately after booting? Or after opening a browser or other software?

[Solai]

Wait, I think I know what is happening. You can see the taskbar? Roll your mouse over to it, click and hold on the visible area and pull it up. I think you inadvertently pushed it down, which I have done once or twice.

[Tom]

Do you have a Windows key? What happens when you press it?

I can get to the start menu that way

How long has it been frozen?

Did it freeze immediately after booting? Or after opening a browser or other software?

Since yesterday right after booting.

Wait, I think I know what is happening. You can see the taskbar? Roll your mouse over to it, click and hold on the visible area and pull it up. I think you inadvertently pushed it down, which I have done once or twice.

I can see the taskbar it just stopped working.

[Gryper]

Have you tried this from your google searches?

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Line 164. Restore Taskbar and Desktop to Default Functionality

[Solai]

Have you tried this from your google searches?

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Line 164. Restore Taskbar and Desktop to Default Functionality

Wow, that is awesome. I hope that works. Being on a Mac I couldn’t try it, but what I could do is read the code line by line and can confirm it won’t hurt your computer or is a virus/worm/trojan in disguise.

[Tom]

Have you tried this from your google searches?

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Line 164. Restore Taskbar and Desktop to Default Functionality

I have not. I’ll take a look. Thanks!

[Gryper]

Wait, I think I know what is happening. You can see the taskbar? Roll your mouse over to it, click and hold on the visible area and pull it up. I think you inadvertently pushed it down, which I have done once or twice.

LOL…I’ve never managed to push the the taskbar down. But I have managed to hide it from myself…“one minute it was there and the next it was gone. It was like magic.”

Wow, that is awesome. I hope that works. Being on a Mac I couldn’t try it, but what I could do is read the code line by line and can confirm it won’t hurt your computer or is a virus/worm/trojan in disguise.

But it could be a virus/worm/trojan that made the taskbar freeze. Tom, you need to scan your computer, including for malware, once you get the taskbar back.

[Tom]

Wow, that is awesome. I hope that works. Being on a Mac I couldn’t try it, but what I could do is read the code line by line and can confirm it won’t hurt your computer or is a virus/worm/trojan in disguise.

Thanks, I was just about to ask when I got the open file security warning.

[Tom]

Vwala! It worked!
I’m running a scan now.
Thanks Gryper and Solai!

[Gryper]

You’re welcome! I’m glad it worked.

[Solai]

Hive mind success once again! Huzzah!

[THX1966]

Vwala! It worked!
I’m running a scan now.
Thanks Gryper and Solai!

What are you scanning with?

[Tom]

What are you scanning with?

I’ve been using Spybot Search and Destroy here at the office.
What do you use/ recommend?

[Solai]

I’ve been using Spybot Search and Destroy here at the office.
What do you use/ recommend?

I recommend going with the big boys. They all offer free scanners:

Norton: http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp
McAfee: http://home.mcafee.com/Downloads/FreeScan.aspx
Microsoft: http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

To be clear, by free scanner I mean they will sweep your computer looking for a problem. If they find one you normally have to go purchase a product to remove it. Spybot is good, but I would still use it as a secondary scan, not a primary. Not saying it is wrong or bad, just saying what my opinion is.