task bar disappears after programs are opened

[bill]

When this computer is rebooted, the task bar appears on
the bottom of the desktop. However, after using the
computer, somewhere along the way something happens and
the task bar is no longer visible. In order to see what
programs are open, or to switch between programs, I have
to control/alternate/delete to see what programs are
opened, then switch from there.

Any suggestions as to what's going on? I have Windows XP
home edition, 5.1.2600 service pack 1 Build 2600.

Thanks

 

[Sharon F]

When this computer is rebooted, the task bar appears on
the bottom of the desktop. However, after using the
computer, somewhere along the way something happens and
the task bar is no longer visible. In order to see what
programs are open, or to switch between programs, I have
to control/alternate/delete to see what programs are
opened, then switch from there.

Any suggestions as to what's going on? I have Windows XP
home edition, 5.1.2600 service pack 1 Build 2600.

Thanks

Check Taskbar and Start Menu settings. For the taskbar to be present at all
time, you need "Autohide" unchecked and "Always on Top" checked.

 

[Bill]

Hi Sharon,

Thanks for your comments. Unfortunately, autohide is
unchecked and "always on top" is checked. Any more
suggestions as to what to try?

 

[Sharon F]

Hi Sharon,

Thanks for your comments. Unfortunately, autohide is
unchecked and "always on top" is checked. Any more
suggestions as to what to try?

When the taskbar is missing, does pressing the Windows key (or Ctrl+Esc)
bring up the start menu? If yes, the taskbar is hiding. Try resetting that
"Always on Top" setting to make sure it's active.

If pressing the Windows key does not bring up the start menu, it is likely
that Explorer has crashed. Bring up the Task Manager by pressing
Ctrl+Alt+Del or Ctrl+Shft+Esc. Click File> New Task, type in explorer.exe
and click OK.

The next step would be to find out what is causing Explorer to crash. The
Event Viewer should have some hints about this. Start> Run>
Eventvwr.msc.