Amazing disappearing taskbar

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

My taskbar often disappears. I do not have auto-hide checked and it is not
on any edge of my screen where it could be pulled. I have to log off and log
on and then it re-appears only to disappear a couple of days later. Can
anyone help?
 
My taskbar often disappears. I do not have auto-hide checked and it is not
on any edge of my screen where it could be pulled. I have to log off and log
on and then it re-appears only to disappear a couple of days later. Can
anyone help?
Click to expand...

Sounds like you've gone over your setting pretty thoroughly but is "keep
the taskbar on top" check in Taskbar Properties?

Do you possibly have some programs set to run in Full Screen? These will
cover the taskbar. You can press the Windows key (or Ctrl+Esc) to pop up
the start menu. This will bring the taskbar into view at the same time. Or,
if the program allows it, toggle full screen mode to off and use Maximize
so that the taskbar is always in view.

F11 is often used as the modifier key for full screen on/off but since
that's not written in stone it can vary from one program to the next. The
program's help file should mention what key is necessary if it's not
obvious by looking in the program's menu lists.
 
Sharon F said:
Sounds like you've gone over your setting pretty thoroughly but is "keep
the taskbar on top" check in Taskbar Properties?

Do you possibly have some programs set to run in Full Screen? These will
cover the taskbar. You can press the Windows key (or Ctrl+Esc) to pop up
the start menu. This will bring the taskbar into view at the same time. Or,
if the program allows it, toggle full screen mode to off and use Maximize
so that the taskbar is always in view.

F11 is often used as the modifier key for full screen on/off but since
that's not written in stone it can vary from one program to the next. The
program's help file should mention what key is necessary if it's not
obvious by looking in the program's menu lists.
Click to expand...

Thanks, but this does not happen while a specific program is running. It
usually happens when I am away from my computer and either there are no
programs running or they are minimized. The windows key has no effect. I
have to Ctrl-Alt-Esc to bring up the Task Manager so that I can log out.
 
Thanks, but this does not happen while a specific program is running. It
usually happens when I am away from my computer and either there are no
programs running or they are minimized. The windows key has no effect. I
have to Ctrl-Alt-Esc to bring up the Task Manager so that I can log out.
Click to expand...

Okay, so I guess this means that you have covered all of the settings
including "keep on top."

Two reasons for the taskbar to go missing that I can think of.

A crash of the shell (explorer.exe). The failsafe usually reloads the shell
automatically but using task manager to run explorer.exe will force it to
reload.

Malware: Spyware, virus, etc. Check system thoroughly using products with
recent definitions/signature files.

Also, a script to restore the taskbar to default functions (fixes a myriad
of taskbar problems) can be found here:
164. Restore Taskbar to Default Functionality
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
 
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