Taskbar doesn't remember preferences, following reboot

[Bob Lucas]

Windows XP Professional (SP3) on HP laptop computer
avast! antivirus 4.8 (free version)
ZoneAlarm 7.0.483.000 (free version)
Spybot Search and Destroy 1.6.0 (without "Teatimer")

In an attempt to reduce clutter, I have customized the taskbar to hide
unwanted icons (by selecting the "Always Hide" option for those icons).
I have also locked the taskbar. These changes persist during the
current session and remain in place, if I place the computer into
hibernate mode (instead of shutdown).

However, the taskbar icon settings revert to "Hide when Inactive",
every time I re-boot the computer. Then, every icon returns to the
taskbar. I don't know why this happens because as far as I am aware,
there are no applications on my computer that might prevent registry
changes.

Is there any way of preserving customized taskbar preferences?

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

I would turn off the antivirus and try it.

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Mark L. Ferguson MS-MVP
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[Bob Lucas]

Thank you. Whilst I am grateful for the suggestion, turning off
anti-virus is not an option.

I had the same problem with McAfee (all traces fully removed from my
computer, before I changed to avast!). Even if avast! is the culprit,
the slight aggravation with the taskbar must be the lesser of two evils.

I would be most reluctant to run a computer, let alone connect to the
Internet, without the protection of up-to-date security software.

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

No reason why you cannot disconnect the physical connection to the inet,
turn off antivirus, make the change, reboot, turn on antivirus, and
reconnect.

--
Please use the Communities guidelines when posting.
http://www.microsoft.com/wn3/locales/help/help_en-us.htm
Use the "Ratings" feature. It helps the new users.
Mark L. Ferguson MS-MVP
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/Mark.Ferguson

 

[ju.c]

Set the registry to save settings on exit:

1. Copy below and paste into Notepad.

----------copy inside only----------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
"NoSaveSettings"=dword:00000000

----------copy inside only----------

2. Save-as SaveSettings.reg (or any name + .reg)

3. Double-click or right-click and merge into the registry.


ju.c