Taskbar, desktop and start menu keep disappearing

[StuUK]

After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually either
when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and start
menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as
everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any
actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it.
Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically minded
so maybe its something simple.

I also signed up with Norton not long before this trouble all happened but
this was after some virus that has been removed got in through messenger -
could this be related?

Any help appreciated!

 

[Jeff Strickland]

After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually
either
when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and
start
menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as
everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any
actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it.
Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically
minded
so maybe its something simple.

It doesn't take a technology literate person to open a window.

<sorry, I couldn't resist>

Right Click on the Taskbar, then chose Properties, and deselect Auto Hide.
If the taskbar is auto-hidiing, you should be able to get it back by taking
the mouse to the bottom of the screen -- or to the side of the screen where
the taskbar normally resides. (You can grab the taskbar and drag it to any
side of the screen, left, right, top, or bottom.)

Once you get the Taskbar where you want it and drag the dividers where you
want them, and set the size of where you like it, you should Right Click and
select Lock Taskbar. This will preserve the taskbar where and how you want
it.

I doubt Norton is your problem ...

 

[pro-testor]

After I turn on, it all settles down, then at various points, usually either
when I turn on Explorer or Messenger, I loose the taskbar, desktop and start
menu and cant get them back. Sometimes though it happens almost as soon as
everything first appears but I have found that the longer I dont do any
actions, the longer it lasts when I start using it.
Im about to throw the computer out the window, but im not technically minded
so maybe its something simple.

I also signed up with Norton not long before this trouble all happened but
this was after some virus that has been removed got in through messenger -
could this be related?

Any help appreciated!

from another poster:
Disable all non essential WINDOWS explorer add ons (shell extensions)
with Nirsoft shellexview (right click run as administrator to do this)
(see download on the bottom of page)
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shexview.html

disable ONLY the stuff highlighted in PINK and only if you are
sure you dont need them

 

[StuUK]

Its not hidden thats for sure, plus it wouldnt hide the desktop icons aswell
would it?

 

[Jeff Strickland]

You're right, the taskbar going into hiding would not affect the desktop
icons.

 

[Charles W Davis]

Based on your sequence of events, I would download the free AVG or AVAST
anti-virus programs. Uninstall Norton, all of it! Then install AVG or AVAST.
http://free.grisoft.com
http://www.avast.com

If your problem is gone (I'll bet it is) call Norton and get your money
back. You may also have to contact your Credit Card company to stop payment.

 

[StuUK]

I solved it by restoring the settings from a week ago but still no clue as to
what was causing it as the restore failed the first time but took ok the
second time.
Im now faced with Norton digging its heals in and refusing to uninstall.
What fun.