Desktop displays common tasks bar

[Guest]

My desktop has decided to show a common tasks bar to left
of the desktop making my desktop look like a folder. This
also reduces the size of my desktop and does not allow me
to use a custom html wallpaper. I haven't made any
changes to my desktop or display settings this side bar
just appeared. I would like to remove this side task bar
but cannot do so, I have tried all of the display
options, start menu options and even taskbar options with
no success.

 

[Chris Jackson]

Doug Knox posts removal instructions here:

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_commtask_desktop.htm