Hi Scott,
I'm not sure why you are seeing this or what caused it but here are
some steps you can try to troubleshoot this problem.
1) Does the same issue occur if you boot into Safe Mode? If not use the
Msconfig utility to clean boot the machine.
310353 How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310353
2) If you change the Taskbar properties from Start Menu to Classic Start
Menu does the same issue occur? Test with the classic view to narrow the
possible problem.
3) Did you install any software or utilities prior to noticing this
problem? If so uninstall the software as a test.
4) Try disabling the "Group similar taskbar buttons" option. To do so,
follow these steps:
1. Right-click an empty area on the taskbar, and then click Properties.
2. Click to clear the check mark next to the "Group similar taskbar
buttons" feature.
Good Luck,
Matt Hendrix [MSFT]
"This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights."
