taskbar grayed out, missing start menu

[Guest]

When I login under administrator the taskbar is gray. The start button is
missing completely. The desktop icons look like they are 16 bit. Task
manager doesn't open. When I go into My computer the icon's are missing, but
the words are there. The File menu is also missing in My Computer. The
control panel icon is also missing in this view. Would a repair install fix
any of these items. I downloaded a program that was supposed to fix the
problems with the taskbar, but it didn't change anything. Thanks.

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Jay.

Are you running the proper driver for your display adapter? Maybe you
should visit the website of your graphics card maker and see what current
WinXP driver is recommended.

If you tell us the make and model of your graphics card, or of your
computer, if the graphics is standard equipment, someone here will probably
recognize it and give you some more specific advice.

Have you checked for malware recently?

RC

 

[Guest]

Well I have narrowed it down to the windows updates. I did a system restore
and went back a few days, and everything went back to normal. Then the
windows update automatically kicked in and installed a few updates. I
restarted and the problems all came back. So I just have to look through the
updates and figure out which one is causing the problem.

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Jay.

You should not need all the updates. Just SP2, which includes all the
earlier ones that are still applicable.

You still haven't told us what graphics equipment you are using.

RC

 

[Kelly]

Hi Jay,

This generally happens from an update with includes updated drivers for your
display adapter. First note, never install them from MS, if they are needed
use the manufactures website. If you feel this is the issue, do a roll back
via the device manager and all should be well.

In the meantime:

Restore Taskbar and Desktop to Default Functionality (Line 164)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

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

--
All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com