application taskbar button area missing

[Teo]

(Windows XP Pro) The area of the taskbar that usually
lies between the start button and the notification icons
just randomly disappeared... I can't find out why. I
don't want to have to dump my User Account for another
one. I have the Language toolbar configured to show up,
tried to unlock the taskbar and slide the different
toolbars over without any luck and I haven't found any
settings. I don't have any tweak or style changer
programs installed nor have I messed around with the
registry. Any ideas on what it could be?

 

[mangokun]

'Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!

(Windows XP Pro) The area of the taskbar that usually
lies between the start button and the notification icons
just randomly disappeared... I can't find out why. I
don't want to have to dump my User Account for another
one. I have the Language toolbar configured to show up,
tried to unlock the taskbar and slide the different
toolbars over without any luck and I haven't found any
settings. I don't have any tweak or style changer
programs installed nor have I messed around with the
registry. Any ideas on what it could be?

my friend's laptop running winxp sp2 happened to hv the same prob as yours.
i found and installed an nifty utility 'Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!'.
i chose 'Minimized Programs Missing' under Taskbar Problems.
click REPAIR! and problem gone!