Desktop maximized,lost start button & task bar

[Thelma]

When I leave home for a period of time, I shut down my
computer and disconnect it from the electric. When I
powered it up Thursday, the desktop was maximized huge
and the Start Button and Task Bar are gone. I verified
that Auto Hide is not checked. I have been able to
minumize the icons on desktop but still can't find Start
Button and Task Bar.Also if I open any software, such as
Family Tree Maker I can only see 1/4 page it is so hugh.
Same with logging on to the internet. Gateway refered me
to Microsoft site for instructions to run System Restore
from Dos prompt, but since is tells me to click Start I
do not know how to get there. Since I cannot shut down
computer on desktop, I turned it off with button and then
tried F8 to boot in safe mode when I turned it back on,
but that did not work either. How did this mess happen
when computer was disconnected and I wasn't even home???
More important, how do I fix it. Help please.

 

[Kelly]

Hi Thelma,

Many workarounds for the Taskbar here. Restore it default.

Repair/Customize Quick Launch, Taskbar and Notification Area
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm



Doug's Windows XP Security Console
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm