Vista - Taskbar, desktop and start menu keep disappearing

03-28-2008

After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually either
when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and start
menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as
everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any
actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it.
Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically minded
so maybe its something simple.

I also signed up with Norton not long before this trouble all happened but
this was after some virus that has been removed got in through messenger -
could this be related?

Any help appreciated!

03-28-2008

"StuUK" <StuUK@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:68AECD5D-ECA8-4A17-B77D-9DEA8385C085@xxxxxx

Quote:

> After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually
> either
> when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and
> start
> menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as
> everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any
> actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it.
> Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically
> minded
> so maybe its something simple.
>

It doesn't take a technology literate person to open a window.

<sorry, I couldn't resist>

Right Click on the Taskbar, then chose Properties, and deselect Auto Hide.
If the taskbar is auto-hidiing, you should be able to get it back by taking
the mouse to the bottom of the screen -- or to the side of the screen where
the taskbar normally resides. (You can grab the taskbar and drag it to any
side of the screen, left, right, top, or bottom.)

Once you get the Taskbar where you want it and drag the dividers where you
want them, and set the size of where you like it, you should Right Click and
select Lock Taskbar. This will preserve the taskbar where and how you want
it.

I doubt Norton is your problem ...

03-28-2008

StuUK wrote:

Quote:

> After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually either
> when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and start
> menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as
> everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any
> actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it.
> Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically minded
> so maybe its something simple.
>
> I also signed up with Norton not long before this trouble all happened but
> this was after some virus that has been removed got in through messenger -
> could this be related?
>
> Any help appreciated!

from another poster:
Disable all non essential WINDOWS explorer add ons (shell extensions)
with Nirsoft shellexview (right click run as administrator to do this)
(see download on the bottom of page)
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shexview.html

disable ONLY the stuff highlighted in PINK and only if you are
sure you dont need them

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

03-28-2008

Its not hidden thats for sure, plus it wouldnt hide the desktop icons aswell
would it?

"Jeff Strickland" wrote:

Quote:

>
> "StuUK" <StuUK@xxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:68AECD5D-ECA8-4A17-B77D-9DEA8385C085@xxxxxx

Quote:

> > After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually
> > either
> > when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and
> > start
> > menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as
> > everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any
> > actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it.
> > Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically
> > minded
> > so maybe its something simple.
> >

>
> It doesn't take a technology literate person to open a window.
>
> <sorry, I couldn't resist>
>
> Right Click on the Taskbar, then chose Properties, and deselect Auto Hide.
> If the taskbar is auto-hidiing, you should be able to get it back by taking
> the mouse to the bottom of the screen -- or to the side of the screen where
> the taskbar normally resides. (You can grab the taskbar and drag it to any
> side of the screen, left, right, top, or bottom.)
>
> Once you get the Taskbar where you want it and drag the dividers where you
> want them, and set the size of where you like it, you should Right Click and
> select Lock Taskbar. This will preserve the taskbar where and how you want
> it.
>
> I doubt Norton is your problem ...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

03-28-2008

You're right, the taskbar going into hiding would not affect the desktop
icons.

"StuUK" <StuUK@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:A74C0437-63C1-4614-8A97-162BBCFC9CA9@xxxxxx

Quote:

> Its not hidden thats for sure, plus it wouldnt hide the desktop icons
> aswell
> would it?
>
> "Jeff Strickland" wrote:
>

Quote:

>>
>> "StuUK" <StuUK@xxxxxx> wrote in message
>> news:68AECD5D-ECA8-4A17-B77D-9DEA8385C085@xxxxxx

Quote:

>> > After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually
>> > either
>> > when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and
>> > start
>> > menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon
>> > as
>> > everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any
>> > actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it.
>> > Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically
>> > minded
>> > so maybe its something simple.
>> >

>>
>> It doesn't take a technology literate person to open a window.
>>
>> <sorry, I couldn't resist>
>>
>> Right Click on the Taskbar, then chose Properties, and deselect Auto
>> Hide.
>> If the taskbar is auto-hidiing, you should be able to get it back by
>> taking
>> the mouse to the bottom of the screen -- or to the side of the screen
>> where
>> the taskbar normally resides. (You can grab the taskbar and drag it to
>> any
>> side of the screen, left, right, top, or bottom.)
>>
>> Once you get the Taskbar where you want it and drag the dividers where
>> you
>> want them, and set the size of where you like it, you should Right Click
>> and
>> select Lock Taskbar. This will preserve the taskbar where and how you
>> want
>> it.
>>
>> I doubt Norton is your problem ...
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>

03-28-2008

Based on your sequence of events, I would download the free AVG or AVAST
anti-virus programs. Uninstall Norton, all of it! Then install AVG or AVAST.
http://free.grisoft.com
http://www.avast.com

If your problem is gone (I'll bet it is) call Norton and get your money
back. You may also have to contact your Credit Card company to stop payment.
"StuUK" <StuUK@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:68AECD5D-ECA8-4A17-B77D-9DEA8385C085@xxxxxx

Quote:

> After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually
> either
> when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and
> start
> menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as
> everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any
> actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it.
> Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically
> minded
> so maybe its something simple.
>
> I also signed up with Norton not long before this trouble all happened but
> this was after some virus that has been removed got in through messenger -
> could this be related?
>
> Any help appreciated!

03-29-2008

I solved it by restoring the settings from a week ago but still no clue as to
what was causing it as the restore failed the first time but took ok the
second time.
Im now faced with Norton digging its heals in and refusing to uninstall.
What fun.

**davidjchuang** · 03-30-2008

Quote: Originally Posted by StuUK

I solved it by restoring the settings from a week ago but still no clue as to
what was causing it as the restore failed the first time but took ok the
second time.
Im now faced with Norton digging its heals in and refusing to uninstall.
What fun.

Hi, Stu. Regarding uninstalling Norton, have you tried right click on Norton and click Run As Administrator ? If that doesn't work, go to Brink's Tutorials. He has one called " Enable/disable Real Built-in Administrator ", and one called " Take Ownership of File/folder ". One of them will work, guarantee. If you have trouble following the procedures, just post the problem(s) and Brink will respond. Please inform of your progress. Good luck.
PS. the first tutorial is under 'account', the other one I think is under "enable'

07-26-2009

Forgive me for double posting, problem solved, I'd assumed my judgement
of a friend absolute,he ignored my request not to use peer networking on
my laptop while he used it, Azeurus, while not the direct cause does two
major nonos, it frees ports and draws attention to the user, weather it
was virii carried via software or an attack triggered by maxes ego is
beyond me.

However, the cure is very simple, duplicate explorer.exe, rename it
using all lower case(windows protocol does not apply case variables to
my knowledge and adding L in place of l makes it tard ass and
regurgitate the executables commands.)

If anyone beat me to the punch I am sorry, I was testing my problem
solving abillities within a chaotic environment. I am very green at this
but also a hands on learner.

Thank you for your patience, if anyone needs more details on the
solution please let me know.

--
Ignatious
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ignatious's Profile: http://forums.techarena.in/members/118388.htm
View this thread: http://forums.techarena.in/vista-help/940785.htm

http://forums.techarena.in

03-28-2008	#1 (permalink)
StuUK n/a posts	Taskbar, desktop and start menu keep disappearing After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually either when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and start menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it. Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically minded so maybe its something simple. I also signed up with Norton not long before this trouble all happened but this was after some virus that has been removed got in through messenger - could this be related? Any help appreciated!
My System Specs

03-28-2008	#2 (permalink)
Jeff Strickland n/a posts	Re: Taskbar, desktop and start menu keep disappearing "StuUK" <StuUK@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:68AECD5D-ECA8-4A17-B77D-9DEA8385C085@xxxxxx Quote: > After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually > either > when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and > start > menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as > everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any > actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it. > Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically > minded > so maybe its something simple. > It doesn't take a technology literate person to open a window. <sorry, I couldn't resist> Right Click on the Taskbar, then chose Properties, and deselect Auto Hide. If the taskbar is auto-hidiing, you should be able to get it back by taking the mouse to the bottom of the screen -- or to the side of the screen where the taskbar normally resides. (You can grab the taskbar and drag it to any side of the screen, left, right, top, or bottom.) Once you get the Taskbar where you want it and drag the dividers where you want them, and set the size of where you like it, you should Right Click and select Lock Taskbar. This will preserve the taskbar where and how you want it. I doubt Norton is your problem ...
My System Specs

03-28-2008	#3 (permalink)
pro-testor n/a posts	Re: Taskbar, desktop and start menu keep disappearing StuUK wrote: Quote: > After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually either > when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and start > menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as > everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any > actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it. > Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically minded > so maybe its something simple. > > I also signed up with Norton not long before this trouble all happened but > this was after some virus that has been removed got in through messenger - > could this be related? > > Any help appreciated! from another poster: Disable all non essential WINDOWS explorer add ons (shell extensions) with Nirsoft shellexview (right click run as administrator to do this) (see download on the bottom of page) http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shexview.html disable ONLY the stuff highlighted in PINK and only if you are sure you dont need them -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
My System Specs

03-28-2008	#4 (permalink)
StuUK n/a posts	Re: Taskbar, desktop and start menu keep disappearing Its not hidden thats for sure, plus it wouldnt hide the desktop icons aswell would it? "Jeff Strickland" wrote: Quote: > > "StuUK" <StuUK@xxxxxx> wrote in message > news:68AECD5D-ECA8-4A17-B77D-9DEA8385C085@xxxxxx Quote: > > After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually > > either > > when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and > > start > > menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as > > everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any > > actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it. > > Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically > > minded > > so maybe its something simple. > > > > It doesn't take a technology literate person to open a window. > > <sorry, I couldn't resist> > > Right Click on the Taskbar, then chose Properties, and deselect Auto Hide. > If the taskbar is auto-hidiing, you should be able to get it back by taking > the mouse to the bottom of the screen -- or to the side of the screen where > the taskbar normally resides. (You can grab the taskbar and drag it to any > side of the screen, left, right, top, or bottom.) > > Once you get the Taskbar where you want it and drag the dividers where you > want them, and set the size of where you like it, you should Right Click and > select Lock Taskbar. This will preserve the taskbar where and how you want > it. > > I doubt Norton is your problem ... > > > > > > > > >
My System Specs

03-28-2008	#5 (permalink)
Jeff Strickland n/a posts	Re: Taskbar, desktop and start menu keep disappearing You're right, the taskbar going into hiding would not affect the desktop icons. "StuUK" <StuUK@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:A74C0437-63C1-4614-8A97-162BBCFC9CA9@xxxxxx Quote: > Its not hidden thats for sure, plus it wouldnt hide the desktop icons > aswell > would it? > > "Jeff Strickland" wrote: > Quote: >> >> "StuUK" <StuUK@xxxxxx> wrote in message >> news:68AECD5D-ECA8-4A17-B77D-9DEA8385C085@xxxxxx Quote: >> > After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually >> > either >> > when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and >> > start >> > menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon >> > as >> > everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any >> > actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it. >> > Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically >> > minded >> > so maybe its something simple. >> > >> >> It doesn't take a technology literate person to open a window. >> >> <sorry, I couldn't resist> >> >> Right Click on the Taskbar, then chose Properties, and deselect Auto >> Hide. >> If the taskbar is auto-hidiing, you should be able to get it back by >> taking >> the mouse to the bottom of the screen -- or to the side of the screen >> where >> the taskbar normally resides. (You can grab the taskbar and drag it to >> any >> side of the screen, left, right, top, or bottom.) >> >> Once you get the Taskbar where you want it and drag the dividers where >> you >> want them, and set the size of where you like it, you should Right Click >> and >> select Lock Taskbar. This will preserve the taskbar where and how you >> want >> it. >> >> I doubt Norton is your problem ... >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
My System Specs

03-28-2008	#6 (permalink)
Charles W Davis n/a posts	Re: Taskbar, desktop and start menu keep disappearing Based on your sequence of events, I would download the free AVG or AVAST anti-virus programs. Uninstall Norton, all of it! Then install AVG or AVAST. http://free.grisoft.com http://www.avast.com If your problem is gone (I'll bet it is) call Norton and get your money back. You may also have to contact your Credit Card company to stop payment. "StuUK" <StuUK@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:68AECD5D-ECA8-4A17-B77D-9DEA8385C085@xxxxxx Quote: > After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually > either > when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and > start > menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as > everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any > actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it. > Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically > minded > so maybe its something simple. > > I also signed up with Norton not long before this trouble all happened but > this was after some virus that has been removed got in through messenger - > could this be related? > > Any help appreciated!
My System Specs

03-29-2008	#7 (permalink)
StuUK n/a posts	RE: Taskbar, desktop and start menu keep disappearing I solved it by restoring the settings from a week ago but still no clue as to what was causing it as the restore failed the first time but took ok the second time. Im now faced with Norton digging its heals in and refusing to uninstall. What fun.
My System Specs

03-30-2008	#8 (permalink)
davidjchuang vista home premium 32bit 205 posts	Re: Taskbar, desktop and start menu keep disappearing Quote: Originally Posted by StuUK I solved it by restoring the settings from a week ago but still no clue as to what was causing it as the restore failed the first time but took ok the second time. Im now faced with Norton digging its heals in and refusing to uninstall. What fun. Hi, Stu. Regarding uninstalling Norton, have you tried right click on Norton and click Run As Administrator ? If that doesn't work, go to Brink's Tutorials. He has one called " Enable/disable Real Built-in Administrator ", and one called " Take Ownership of File/folder ". One of them will work, guarantee. If you have trouble following the procedures, just post the problem(s) and Brink will respond. Please inform of your progress. Good luck. PS. the first tutorial is under 'account', the other one I think is under "enable'
My System Specs

07-26-2009	#9 (permalink)
Ignatious n/a posts	Re: Taskbar, desktop and start menu keep disappearing Forgive me for double posting, problem solved, I'd assumed my judgement of a friend absolute,he ignored my request not to use peer networking on my laptop while he used it, Azeurus, while not the direct cause does two major nonos, it frees ports and draws attention to the user, weather it was virii carried via software or an attack triggered by maxes ego is beyond me. However, the cure is very simple, duplicate explorer.exe, rename it using all lower case(windows protocol does not apply case variables to my knowledge and adding L in place of l makes it tard ass and regurgitate the executables commands.) If anyone beat me to the punch I am sorry, I was testing my problem solving abillities within a chaotic environment. I am very green at this but also a hands on learner. Thank you for your patience, if anyone needs more details on the solution please let me know. -- Ignatious ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ignatious's Profile: http://forums.techarena.in/members/118388.htm View this thread: http://forums.techarena.in/vista-help/940785.htm http://forums.techarena.in
My System Specs

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