Issues with Windows XP at startup

[Mags]

When I turn on the computer, at the desktop, the task bar is automatically
stretched out and takes up half of the desktop.
I know how to minimize it, but I can't seem to make it stay that way. Once
the computer is turned off then turned back on again, the taskbar is once
again taking up half the screen.
The strange part of it, however, is that the Start button has also expanded
and it now takes up the entire task bar. So, when the computer is turned on
and the task bar is taking up half the screen, it's all green and the entire
thing is the start button. There's no time, quick launch or anything that is
normally on the task bar. As soon as I click on what should be the task bar,
it brings up the Start menu.
Has anyone ever heard of this happening? And can you help me fix it?

 

[Jose]

When I turn on the computer, at the desktop, the task bar is automatically
stretched out and takes up half of the desktop.
I know how to minimize it, but I can't seem to make it stay that way. Once
the computer is turned off then turned back on again, the taskbar is once
again taking up half the screen.
The strange part of it, however, is that the Start button has also expanded
and it now takes up the entire task bar. So, when the computer is turned on
and the task bar is taking up half the screen, it's all green and the entire
thing is the start button. There's no time, quick launch or anything thatis
normally on the task bar. As soon as I click on what should be the task bar,
it brings up the Start menu.
Has anyone ever heard of this happening? And can you help me fix it?

I might pay to see that. Post a screenshot if you can!

Did this just start happening - has it worked okay in the past? Any
new software installed?

You say you can "minimize" it - does that mean you can grab the top
and pull it down to normal size and it looks fine until you reboot?

I would try first to get the Taskbar the way you want and then check
the Properties (right click on the Taskbar) and be sure Lock the
Taskbar is checked. If it is, uncheck it, move things around, move
them back and check it again. If it changes back on a reboot, then
there is another problem.

It will have to be unlocked for you to expand or shrink the Taskbar by
dragging the upper border with your clicked mouse. When it is
unlocked the mourse cursor will turn jnto a two headed arrow allowing
you to resize it.

I think there are lots of Taskbar tweaks, but please try the easy
stuff first.

 

[Mags]

I ran a virus scan on the computer using Symantec. It found a virus,
Trojan.Vundo, and I already ran the removal tool for that virus from the
Syantec website. However, the issue still isn't resolved. I just did
LiveUpdate and I'm running another virus scan. Any suggestions?

 

[smlunatick]

I ran a virus scan on the computer using Symantec. It found a virus,
Trojan.Vundo, and I already ran the removal tool for that virus from the
Syantec website. However, the issue still isn't resolved. I just did
LiveUpdate and I'm running another virus scan. Any suggestions?

Run also Malwarebytes. Anti-virus may not detect / remove the
malwares. Also, not every "anti" removal software will detect
everything.

 

[Mags]

I ran Malwarebytes and it repaired all of the 102 "errors" it found, but it
didn't fix the problem I'm having.

 

[Buffalo]

I ran Malwarebytes and it repaired all of the 102 "errors" it found,
but it didn't fix the problem I'm having.

Since you're not having a lot of luch in this ng, perhaps you should try:
VirtualDr.com as they are an excellent bunch of very helpful folks. You
just have to register, but it is a free and excellent site.
Usually before I run MBAM (Malwarebytes AntiMalware) I delete all my temp
files, including unwanted cookies and temp internet files. That way, it
speeds up MBAM and MBAM doesn't hit on all those 'so called' tracking
cookies.
Another great free anti-malware program is SAS (SuperAntiSpyware). Many of
the people in the anti-spyware and anti-virus ngs use both on a regular
basis to rid themselves of malware.
But again, try VirtualDr.com.
Buffalo