Task Manager is broken

[David]

Today I used Task Manager to close down a recalcirant process,
NewsUpdate, that I had just discovered is spyware installed by
Creative Labs. I got the usual warning about unpredictable results,
but the only way to dig the cr*p out was to shut it down first. Well,
co0incidence or not, Task Manager now appears as just a single pane,
showing the programs running, no tabs, no max, min or close buttons.
There are "End Task", "New Task", and "Switch To" buttons. It is also
"always on top," so the only way to get it out of the way is to use
the Switch button which makes it a pain, and of course it is always
running in the task bar.

I have re-booted, it doesn't start up again, but if I use it, or even
look at it, the problem is back. I'm using XP Pro, all updates,
anti-spyware and AV up to date. Any suggestions as to how to get it to
work normally?

David

 

[Newbie Coder]

I am sure you can right-click TASK MANAGER at the top to re-enable the other
tabs. Maybe its just a myth, but I read this somewhere around 1 year ago.
Never needed to try it

 

[Elmo]

Today I used Task Manager to close down a recalcirant process,
NewsUpdate, that I had just discovered is spyware installed by
Creative Labs. I got the usual warning about unpredictable results,
but the only way to dig the cr*p out was to shut it down first. Well,
co0incidence or not, Task Manager now appears as just a single pane,
showing the programs running, no tabs, no max, min or close buttons.
There are "End Task", "New Task", and "Switch To" buttons. It is also
"always on top," so the only way to get it out of the way is to use
the Switch button which makes it a pain, and of course it is always
running in the task bar.

I have re-booted, it doesn't start up again, but if I use it, or even
look at it, the problem is back. I'm using XP Pro, all updates,
anti-spyware and AV up to date. Any suggestions as to how to get it to
work normally?

Double-click somewhere on the border, not on the top bar.

 

[Rock]

Today I used Task Manager to close down a recalcirant process,
NewsUpdate, that I had just discovered is spyware installed by
Creative Labs. I got the usual warning about unpredictable results,
but the only way to dig the cr*p out was to shut it down first. Well,
co0incidence or not, Task Manager now appears as just a single pane,
showing the programs running, no tabs, no max, min or close buttons.
There are "End Task", "New Task", and "Switch To" buttons. It is also
"always on top," so the only way to get it out of the way is to use
the Switch button which makes it a pain, and of course it is always
running in the task bar.

I have re-booted, it doesn't start up again, but if I use it, or even
look at it, the problem is back. I'm using XP Pro, all updates,
anti-spyware and AV up to date. Any suggestions as to how to get it to
work normally?

It's in small foot print mode. Double click on a border to restore it.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Today I used Task Manager to close down a recalcirant process,
NewsUpdate, that I had just discovered is spyware installed by
Creative Labs. I got the usual warning about unpredictable results,
but the only way to dig the cr*p out was to shut it down first. Well,
co0incidence or not, Task Manager now appears as just a single pane,
showing the programs running, no tabs, no max, min or close buttons.
There are "End Task", "New Task", and "Switch To" buttons. It is also
"always on top," so the only way to get it out of the way is to use
the Switch button which makes it a pain, and of course it is always
running in the task bar.

You're running in what's called "Small Footprint Mode." To change back and
forth from this mode to regular mode, just double-click on the border.

 

[David]

You're running in what's called "Small Footprint Mode." To change back and
forth from this mode to regular mode, just double-click on the border.

Many thanks for the information. I've been using Windows since 3.0 and
have never heard of Small Footprint Mode. Well that's one more nugget
to stash away in the ever decreasing store of neurons!

David

 

[dobey]

Many thanks for the information. I've been using Windows since 3.0 and
have never heard of Small Footprint Mode. Well that's one more nugget
to stash away in the ever decreasing store of neurons!

David

Hehe, same here...

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Many thanks for the information.

You're welcome. Glad to help.

 

[Bill Sharpe]

Many thanks for the information. I've been using Windows since 3.0 and
have never heard of Small Footprint Mode. Well that's one more nugget
to stash away in the ever decreasing store of neurons!

David

I learn something new from these newsgroups almost every day. TM help
doesn't mention "small footprint" or "footprint," so how is one to know?

Bill

 

[Elmo]

I learn something new from these newsgroups almost every day. TM help
doesn't mention "small footprint" or "footprint," so how is one to know?

Bill

By reading this NG, of course! ;o)

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

By reading this NG, of course! ;o)

Yep! I can't remember for sure where I first heard about it, but it was very
likely from someone else here.