Ctrl + Alt + Del stopped working

  • Thread starter Thread starter Terry Pinnell
  • Start date Start date
T

Terry Pinnell

Anyone think of why Ctrl + Alt + Del would stop working please? I can
still get to XP Pro Task Manager by using Start > Help and Support > Task
Manager, but obviously that's a poor second best.

Presumably it will return after a reboot, but as that's a 5-10 minute task
for everything to settle down I'd like to try any other fixes that anyone
can suggest please.
 
Anyone think of why Ctrl + Alt + Del would stop working please? I can
still get to XP Pro Task Manager by using Start> Help and Support> Task
Manager, but obviously that's a poor second best.

Presumably it will return after a reboot, but as that's a 5-10 minute task
for everything to settle down I'd like to try any other fixes that anyone
can suggest please.
Click to expand...

If it takes that long to boot XP, it's time to reinstall. My two XP
machines boot and "everything settles down" in less than a minute.
 
You can also more easily summon Task Manager by right-clicking on any empty
part of the Taskbar and choose "Task Manager".

But, about the non-functioning [Ctrl-Alt-Del] ...

It could be, as "Elmo" suggests (by pointing you to the specific Kelly's
Corner page), that policy restrictions have been imposed, disabling Task
Manager.

But, if after trying out that route functionality still does not return to
[Ctrl-Alt-Del] then consider this ;

What program Windows XP starts in response to pressing [Ctrl-Alt-Del] is
actually configurable by setting the following registry value :


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File
Execution Options\taskmgr.exe]

"Debugger"="c:\\windows\\system32\\taskmgr.exe"


....instead of [as above] using the default : [taskmgr.exe] you can replace
with the path / filename of any valid executable (such as Process
Explorer - a good alternative).

However, if this value exists but is left blank it may explain the loss of
functionality to the [Ctrl-Alt-Del] action.

Solution : Start [regedit.exe] and locate the key quoted above. Then check
that the value for "Debugger" is not left blank and is a valid one.


==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)
 
Tim Meddick said:
You can also more easily summon Task Manager by right-clicking on any empty
part of the Taskbar and choose "Task Manager".

But, about the non-functioning [Ctrl-Alt-Del] ...

It could be, as "Elmo" suggests (by pointing you to the specific Kelly's
Corner page), that policy restrictions have been imposed, disabling Task
Manager.

But, if after trying out that route functionality still does not return to
[Ctrl-Alt-Del] then consider this ;

What program Windows XP starts in response to pressing [Ctrl-Alt-Del] is
actually configurable by setting the following registry value :


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File
Execution Options\taskmgr.exe]

"Debugger"="c:\\windows\\system32\\taskmgr.exe"


...instead of [as above] using the default : [taskmgr.exe] you can replace
with the path / filename of any valid executable (such as Process
Explorer - a good alternative).

However, if this value exists but is left blank it may explain the loss of
functionality to the [Ctrl-Alt-Del] action.

Solution : Start [regedit.exe] and locate the key quoted above. Then check
that the value for "Debugger" is not left blank and is a valid one.


==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)




Terry Pinnell said:
Anyone think of why Ctrl + Alt + Del would stop working please? I can
still get to XP Pro Task Manager by using Start > Help and Support > Task
Manager, but obviously that's a poor second best.

Presumably it will return after a reboot, but as that's a 5-10 minute
task
for everything to settle down I'd like to try any other fixes that anyone
can suggest please.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Tim, Joe: Thanks both. The taskbar r-click method worked fine. But not
Ctl+Shift+Esc. Then I looked at Kelly's Repair TM
--- Start paste ---
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\TaskManager]
--- End paste ---
but didn't run it. (Is that the way a reg file resets, i.e. by placing a
minus sign as a prefix?)

Then, in a spirit of experiment, I tried the top item 'Repair Task
Manager', which was a VBS script. Unfortunately that has zapped my entire
taskbar so now I'm even looking for a way to reboot. Hmm, I think it will
have to be the Reset or Power On/Off button! I'll report back later.
 
Tim Meddick said:
You can also more easily summon Task Manager by right-clicking on any empty
part of the Taskbar and choose "Task Manager".

But, about the non-functioning [Ctrl-Alt-Del] ...

It could be, as "Elmo" suggests (by pointing you to the specific Kelly's
Corner page), that policy restrictions have been imposed, disabling Task
Manager.

But, if after trying out that route functionality still does not return to
[Ctrl-Alt-Del] then consider this ;

What program Windows XP starts in response to pressing [Ctrl-Alt-Del] is
actually configurable by setting the following registry value :


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File
Execution Options\taskmgr.exe]

"Debugger"="c:\\windows\\system32\\taskmgr.exe"


...instead of [as above] using the default : [taskmgr.exe] you can replace
with the path / filename of any valid executable (such as Process
Explorer - a good alternative).

However, if this value exists but is left blank it may explain the loss of
functionality to the [Ctrl-Alt-Del] action.

Solution : Start [regedit.exe] and locate the key quoted above. Then check
that the value for "Debugger" is not left blank and is a valid one.
Click to expand...

I managed to get my taskbar back without re-booting (although lost Quick
Launch and another custom toolbar) but still no change in status beyond my
earlier post.

So, before the much-postpone reboot, I'm now following up your suggestion
above. However, I have no such key here (in XP Pro SP2):

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4019461/TaskMgr-1.jpg
 
Tim Meddick said:
You can also more easily summon Task Manager by right-clicking on any empty
part of the Taskbar and choose "Task Manager".

But, about the non-functioning [Ctrl-Alt-Del] ...

It could be, as "Elmo" suggests (by pointing you to the specific Kelly's
Corner page), that policy restrictions have been imposed, disabling Task
Manager.

But, if after trying out that route functionality still does not return to
[Ctrl-Alt-Del] then consider this ;

What program Windows XP starts in response to pressing [Ctrl-Alt-Del] is
actually configurable by setting the following registry value :


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File
Execution Options\taskmgr.exe]

"Debugger"="c:\\windows\\system32\\taskmgr.exe"


...instead of [as above] using the default : [taskmgr.exe] you can replace
with the path / filename of any valid executable (such as Process
Explorer - a good alternative).

However, if this value exists but is left blank it may explain the loss of
functionality to the [Ctrl-Alt-Del] action.

Solution : Start [regedit.exe] and locate the key quoted above. Then check
that the value for "Debugger" is not left blank and is a valid one.
Click to expand...

I managed to get my taskbar back without re-booting (although lost Quick
Launch and another custom toolbar) but still no change in status beyond my
earlier post.

So, before the much-postpone reboot, I'm now following up your suggestion
above. However, I have no such key here (in XP Pro SP2):

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4019461/TaskMgr-1.jpg
Click to expand...

You could have reinstalled XP already instead of trying crap that won't
work. This time install SP3.
 
RE: Your question about a minus sign at the beginning of a key-name within
a registry [*.reg] file,

The minus sign, inserted just within the first square bracket of a key-name
has the result of deleting that entire key specified.

The other, similar method of deleting using [*.reg] files, only for
individual values instead of entire keys is ;

[HKEY_WHATEVER\Regpath\Subkey]
"RegValue"=-

....the minus sign in this instance, is placed after the "equals" sign
without quotes and has the effect of deleting the specified value leaving
any other values intact under the same key.

As for the key not existing in your registry, that is not surprising after
you have run the Kelly's "fixit" reg-file where you saw that minus sign in
the first case!

If the key did exist, it would not do after you imported that reg-file....

Your WinXP SP2 OS will support the function of the key we are discussing,
in order to configure a "custom" Task Manager, but is not required if you
just want the default Task Manager - taskmgr.exe

But it was a possibility, had the key and value existed, that if
incorrectly configured or the value specified a non-existent executable,
that it would render [Ctrl-Alt-Del] useless (did you look into whether the
other policy keys existed that disable [Ctrl-Alt-Del] provided by "Elmos"
link to Kelly's Corner (lines 51 & 275)??)

On the other hand, it might be a way to repair the functionality of
[Ctrl-Alt-Del] if you were to add the key & value ("Debugger"=) to specify
a valid path to :

%SystemRoot%\system32\taskmgr.exe

....at least it could provide a further opportunity to test why
[Ctrl-Alt-Del] has stopped working....

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)




Terry Pinnell said:
Tim Meddick said:
You can also more easily summon Task Manager by right-clicking on any
empty
part of the Taskbar and choose "Task Manager".

But, about the non-functioning [Ctrl-Alt-Del] ...

It could be, as "Elmo" suggests (by pointing you to the specific Kelly's
Corner page), that policy restrictions have been imposed, disabling Task
Manager.

But, if after trying out that route functionality still does not return
to
[Ctrl-Alt-Del] then consider this ;

What program Windows XP starts in response to pressing [Ctrl-Alt-Del] is
actually configurable by setting the following registry value :


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image
File
Execution Options\taskmgr.exe]

"Debugger"="c:\\windows\\system32\\taskmgr.exe"


...instead of [as above] using the default : [taskmgr.exe] you can
replace
with the path / filename of any valid executable (such as Process
Explorer - a good alternative).

However, if this value exists but is left blank it may explain the loss
of
functionality to the [Ctrl-Alt-Del] action.

Solution : Start [regedit.exe] and locate the key quoted above. Then
check
that the value for "Debugger" is not left blank and is a valid one.
Click to expand...

I managed to get my taskbar back without re-booting (although lost Quick
Launch and another custom toolbar) but still no change in status beyond
my
earlier post.

So, before the much-postpone reboot, I'm now following up your suggestion
above. However, I have no such key here (in XP Pro SP2):

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4019461/TaskMgr-1.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Terry Pinnell said:
Anyone think of why Ctrl + Alt + Del would stop working please? I can
still get to XP Pro Task Manager by using Start > Help and Support >
Task
Manager, but obviously that's a poor second best.

Presumably it will return after a reboot, but as that's a 5-10 minute
task
for everything to settle down I'd like to try any other fixes that
anyone
can suggest please.
Click to expand...

If you refuse to reboot, you are just wasting your and everyone else's
time in this thread. The suggestions you have been trying so far may
have nothing to do with the issue, and a reboot should be the first
thing you try before even posting.

If it takes 10 minutes to complete a reboot, you have other problems
that need addressing!
 
Anyone think of why Ctrl + Alt + Del would stop working please? I can
still get to XP Pro Task Manager by using Start > Help and Support > Task
Manager, but obviously that's a poor second best.
Click to expand...

you could install System Explorer, which is not a poor second best to
Task Manager. It's more like a good first worst, or whatever the
opposite is, "even better"?

Elmo points out that malware can mess up cntl-alt delete. In that
case be aweare of Configuration and Preferences/Repairs part of
superantispyware, which includes a function to renable
cntl-alt-delete. The fourth item down is Enable Task Managers. I think
I used it and if so it worked for me. But I'm not positive anymore, I
don't remmeber if I HAD to use that one (that had no relevance to me),
but I used others that did work. I used all of them but one, even if
I didn't need them, and none damaged my system.
 
Tim Meddick said:
RE: Your question about a minus sign at the beginning of a key-name within
a registry [*.reg] file,

The minus sign, inserted just within the first square bracket of a key-name
has the result of deleting that entire key specified.

The other, similar method of deleting using [*.reg] files, only for
individual values instead of entire keys is ;

[HKEY_WHATEVER\Regpath\Subkey]
"RegValue"=-

...the minus sign in this instance, is placed after the "equals" sign
without quotes and has the effect of deleting the specified value leaving
any other values intact under the same key.

As for the key not existing in your registry, that is not surprising after
you have run the Kelly's "fixit" reg-file where you saw that minus sign in
the first case!

If the key did exist, it would not do after you imported that reg-file....

Your WinXP SP2 OS will support the function of the key we are discussing,
in order to configure a "custom" Task Manager, but is not required if you
just want the default Task Manager - taskmgr.exe

But it was a possibility, had the key and value existed, that if
incorrectly configured or the value specified a non-existent executable,
that it would render [Ctrl-Alt-Del] useless (did you look into whether the
other policy keys existed that disable [Ctrl-Alt-Del] provided by "Elmos"
link to Kelly's Corner (lines 51 & 275)??)

On the other hand, it might be a way to repair the functionality of
[Ctrl-Alt-Del] if you were to add the key & value ("Debugger"=) to specify
a valid path to :

%SystemRoot%\system32\taskmgr.exe

...at least it could provide a further opportunity to test why
[Ctrl-Alt-Del] has stopped working....
Click to expand...

Thanks Tim, much appreciated. I've filed that thorough explanation for
possible future reference.

Happily the subsequent PC reboot restored the K/B shortcut.
 
mm said:
you could install System Explorer, which is not a poor second best to
Task Manager. It's more like a good first worst, or whatever the
opposite is, "even better"?

Elmo points out that malware can mess up cntl-alt delete. In that
case be aweare of Configuration and Preferences/Repairs part of
superantispyware, which includes a function to renable
cntl-alt-delete. The fourth item down is Enable Task Managers. I think
I used it and if so it worked for me. But I'm not positive anymore, I
don't remmeber if I HAD to use that one (that had no relevance to me),
but I used others that did work. I used all of them but one, even if
I didn't need them, and none damaged my system.
Click to expand...

Thanks for suggesting SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition, which I do have but
rarely use. I hadn't realised it had that useful repair option.
Here's the location you were trying to recall:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4019461/SAS-1.jpg

In fact, there's a whole bunch of options. Here's an image I've made
showing all of them:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4019461/SAS-2.jpg

BTW, with apologies for switching topics, what's the general view of
experienced users on the relative merits of the free versions of each of
these?

Malawarebytes
Avira AntiVir
SUPERAntiSpyware Free
 
Thanks. I already have Malwarebytes Pro (the current version of which has a bug,
BTW).
Click to expand...

Terry

Mind telling me what bug is it in Malwarebytes that you are talking about

--
Peter
Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
http://www.microsoft.com/protect
 
Terry Pinnell said:
Malawarebytes........................Very Good
Avira AntiVir...........................Sorry don`t use it
SUPERAntiSpyware Free........Very Good.
Click to expand...

Make sure to update them both regularly.
 
Mind telling me what bug is it in Malwarebytes that you are talking about
Click to expand...
Yeah, I wondered about that. I don't find a bug and there is nothing in the
MWB forums about it. Sounds like a HoopleHead statement.
 
Vote for Pedro said:
Yeah, I wondered about that. I don't find a bug and there is nothing in the
MWB forums about it. Sounds like a HoopleHead statement.
Click to expand...

I googled that term and didn't like it. An apology would be appreciated!
 
Terry said:
BTW, with apologies for switching topics, what's the general view of
experienced users on the relative merits of the free versions of each
of these?

Malawarebytes
Avira AntiVir
SUPERAntiSpyware Free
Click to expand...

Who are "experienced users"?
 
Terry Pinnell said:
See this thread:
http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?s=eefdd6675d3f2b349f126bd354dca003&showtopic=71991

(and the independent one with the same issue.)

Took some tenacity, but we got the acknowledgement eventually! ;-)
Click to expand...


Terry

The only acknowledgement that was given was that Avira AV put a hook into almost
everything including Malwarebytes. Read the postings carefully.

--
Peter
Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
http://www.microsoft.com/protect
 
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