Strange crashing(?) problems ...

[Guest]

I've been working with computers for a while, but this is new to me.

Here is the problem. I load, say a messenger program (Trillian). It runs
fine for a moment, but then the icon on the lower right corner (taskbar)
disappears. BUT it's still running in the background because people can msg
me.

I would consider this a Trillian problem, but it does that on Xfire and a
few other programs that use the taskbar.

The other problem, same idea, when I do a ctrl+alt+del to bring up Windows
Task Manager .. it shows in the taskbar that it's there, but I can't view it
at all. It does this when I try and open a folder on my desktop as well. But,
when I hit alt+tab to cycle through running processes, it shows that it's
running ...

What in the name of all that is holy is going on here? Can I assume a virus?
I've run two different system scans, and they both come up negative on the
virus. I've also run Adaware to see if I have some vicious spyware, but to
now avail.

Any ideas folks? This is really causing problems.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Guest]

Right click on the task bar and go to Properties. At the bottom of the first
screen is an option for Hide Inactive Icons. If it is selected, uncheck it
and see if that helps.

 

[Guest]

Yeah, I did check that out, but it wasn't the problem. And it's not just
those icons .. it's some folders and the windows task manager won't come up
.... and often times the Xfire and other programs will be viewable in the
taskbar, but I double click, and it won't come up .. odd, eh?

Oh .. system specs.

WinXP Pro
P4 2ghz
40gig HD + 60 gig HD
128meg GeForce card
768 meg DDR

Thanks for the advice .. if you have anything new, let me know .. thanks!

Tadd

 

[Guest]

I figured out half the problem.

My grpahic card has both the regular monitor and DVI monitor plugs. It was
trying to use them both, so when I started a folder or Windows task manager
it would toss them in the other monitor.

I fixed this problem by disabling the regular monitor plug and only using
the DVI in the Properties settings.

However, the disappearing icons in the task manager .. still a mystery.

Thanks for the help ...