Taskbar frozen; Notification are alive but not responsive

[Guest]

On Windows XP Pro SP2, my taskbar has started freezing completely. The rest
of Explorer is working: i can launch new Folder windows, desktop is
responsive. I am running WIndows Update automatically, so should be up to
date. C:\windows\Explorer.exe is version 6.00.2900.3156
(xpsp_sp2_gdr.070613-1234), dated 13 June 2007, 11:23:07 (UK local time). I
can kill (all) and relaunch explorer.exe which gives me functionality back
for a little while until it hangs again - the clock in notification area
stops when this happens.

I do connect both using remote desktop as well as local console sessions,
switching between the two. I read that there is a known problem with caching
the taskbar and desktop but as my desktop is working, that doesn't appear to
be the same problem.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Kelly]

Hi,

Try line 164: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

 

[Guest]

So far, so good. I've run the vbs (after checking my registry for the changes
it would be making). The Taskbar came back in working order, al be it at the
bottom of the screen rather than the left hand side where I'd parked it.

Just curious to note, that none of the keys there were deleted existed in
the first place, and neither did any of the keys that were added!

Tanks so far - will post an update if the Taskbar stays alive for a few days!

 

[Kelly]

Great to hear.
How interesting.
And please do.

--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

 

[Guest]

Well, taskbar is frozen again. This happened after I 'high-jacked' an
existing logged in session via Remote Desktop from the desktop console onto
my notebook. The mouse shows as up+down arrow, no clock is showing at the
moment (may have lost that on the way.

BTW, some of the policy setting that were added to the registry prevent any
customization of the taskbar (e.g. adding Quick Launch and moving the Taskbar
back to the Left edge of the screen).

Any further suggestions?

 

[Guest]

I am experiencing the exact same problem - our symptoms are identical.

Everything was fine yesterday. After a reboot this morning, the taskbar is
completely non-functional, but the desktop and all applications function
normally.

Yesterday I installed an iTunes update, an iPhone update, and a Divx update.
I'm betting one of those is somehow responsible, and my money is on the Divx.

Any ideas, suggestions, or commiseration would be welcome. Thanks!