Something changed the behavior of the desktop

[Kryptonite]

Any and all open programs disappear behind the Start button ( tool bar ) when i minimize them and can't find an icon on the tool bar like there was a week or so ago. So now even Skype which pops up over all open windows when a call comes in remains hidden; i can access that program via the task bar but it's a pain trying to answer the phone when doing something else.

The vitals: XPpro Gateway laptop with Athlon 64 2 gig ram, IE 6 and Outllook Express six. All MS updates except IE7 which i don't like. Avira virus protection, Zone Alarm free, and i run spybot at least three times a week along with the full virus scan once a week.

Sometime last week everything started running sooooo slow that i couldn't close anything in anyway including ctrl alt del so i hard closed it. Then a blue screen appeared saying that it need to check things. That took 15 minutes or more. i think it was after that that the tool bar changed and can't figure out if there is a setting that i can reset to make it like it was. i did find one called MSVDM which put a few new buttons to the left of the taskbar but it seems to give me the opportunity to change desktops between one of four that i choose.

Any thoughts on what happened or how to get back those icons on my tool bar?

[Broni]

tool bar

Taskbar?

i can access that program via the task bar

Task Manager?

Then a blue screen appeared saying that it need to check things

What did the blue screen say? What "things" you had to check?

[Kryptonite]

before i answer the questions you asked
it seems that this answer that i had been working on while researching similar situations on a different browser page ( which as mentioned in my original post; will disappear to place outside the boundries of my screen if i minimumize it, so inorder to go back and forth i now need to make them half size and toggle back and forth between them ) Anyway, i must have been typing and researching too long and was asked to sign back in. After doing that i was presented with a blank page mentioning something about "where i left off" i typed in a few dasks and dots as a subject and a few words in the body and now it is up as a post of it's own. Go figure...

The "blue screne" that comes up is not the kiss of death blue screne although it is the same mono-chromatic color of blue with a full page of "checks" that the computer is going to do. My best guess based on it actually using the term somewhere in the process, is that it is scan disk if i recall correctly that was one of the tools that i used frequently in win 98. So as it goes through this process in numbered sections 1,2,3, and sometimes more, not sure how many but i'm think 4. It performs that task and the screne remains blue but you can see the progress in one way or another, either numbers rolling by or a progress bar. This has only happend to be 2 or 3 times since XP came out.

[Kryptonite]

tool bar

Taskbar?

i can access that program via the task bar

Task Manager?

Then a blue screen appeared saying that it need to check things

What did the blue screen say? What "things" you had to check?

The terms that i used may be mac terms although mac used the term "menu bar" for just about every bar top and bottom including sub bars that are often tool bars as well.
On a Win sys the bottom "menu bar" is a composite of many things. On the bottom left is the start button and on the right with the clock and calendar as an anchor is what i've been calling "the task bar" inbetween those two ends is what i also call " a tool bar " and it can be customized with a quick launch area that can be personalized, and in the middle of it all is a blue space that not so long ago would show how many browser windows that i had open and a seperate counter of wordpad and notepad were open so i could easily toggle between them.
This first change appeared as only one counter that would group programs and you'd have to rotate the counter to come to notepad or back to IE.

If i right click on that "menu bar" i have a bunch of potions but not even in properties can i find something that looks or sounds like what i want to do.

Hope that explained the terms that i used in my first post.

There are too many words to remember them all and it wasn't like i had a choice to pass on this action. i also recall the word "volumns" somewhere in the blue screne experience.

Any suggestions as to where i can find out how to change it back will be much appreciated

[IamError]

I'm so sorry but i'm lost in what your talking about???

Can you maybe like upload an image of your problem i'm lost sorry.

[Kryptonite]

http://www.coolnerds.com/XP/Taskbar/xpTaskbar01.gif

[IamError]

I know what a task bar is.... I mean a screen shot of your problem because i'm lost in that.

[Broni]

Me too

[BC_Programmer]

The "blue screne" that comes up is not the kiss of death blue screne although it is the same mono-chromatic color of blue with a full page of "checks" that the computer is going to do. My best guess based on it actually using the term somewhere in the process, is that it is scan disk if i recall correctly that was one of the tools that i used frequently in win 98. So as it goes through this process in numbered sections 1,2,3, and sometimes more, not sure how many but i'm think 4. It performs that task and the screne remains blue but you can see the progress in one way or another, either numbers rolling by or a progress bar. This has only happend to be 2 or 3 times since XP came out.

That was a BSOD. we need the text from that, if it appears again.


As far as the task bar- the entire thing is referred to as a task bar (merely for convenience purposes- we can't go around talking about the "start menu, quick launch, task, and clock"-bar-, contains the start button, Quick Launch area, the actual task bar , and the system notification area. Anything else besides those are extra toolbars, but aren't referred to as a toolbar, but rather by their name, such as the "address bar".

one possibility to try to restore your taskbar to it's former self would be to first unlock the taskbar, (by right-clicking an empty area of the taskbar and ensuring "Lock the taskbar" is unchecked), Then rightclick again, this time going to the "toolbars" option. Unselect all the options here except "Quick Launch".


Another method of switching applications would be to use the alt+tab key combination- this can make it easier to use the computer while we try to remedy your situation.

[Kryptonite]

The "blue screne" that comes up is not the kiss of death blue screne although it is the same mono-chromatic color of blue with a full page of "checks" that the computer is going to do. My best guess based on it actually using the term somewhere in the process, is that it is scan disk if i recall correctly that was one of the tools that i used frequently in win 98. So as it goes through this process in numbered sections 1,2,3, and sometimes more, not sure how many but i'm think 4. It performs that task and the screne remains blue but you can see the progress in one way or another, either numbers rolling by or a progress bar. This has only happend to be 2 or 3 times since XP came out.

That was a BSOD. we need the text from that, if it appears again.


As far as the task bar- the entire thing is referred to as a task bar (merely for convenience purposes- we can't go around talking about the "start menu, quick launch, task, and clock"-bar-, contains the start button, Quick Launch area, the actual task bar , and the system notification area. Anything else besides those are extra toolbars, but aren't referred to as a toolbar, but rather by their name, such as the "address bar".

one possibility to try to restore your taskbar to it's former self would be to first unlock the taskbar, (by right-clicking an empty area of the taskbar and ensuring "Lock the taskbar" is unchecked), Then rightclick again, this time going to the "toolbars" option. Unselect all the options here except "Quick Launch".


Another method of switching applications would be to use the alt+tab key combination- this can make it easier to use the computer while we try to remedy your situation.

The picture that i posted is NOT what happens anymore. Those icon from the center of the "the task bar". Once someone other than myself can wrap their mind around what the problem is i would like to see how to inquire about the same problem with the best choice of words. Although the whole bar may be called "the task bar" the only place that i have ever experienced those icon "buttons" is in the middle of it. And although it may be incorrect i called one of the original members of the PC computer club that i joined when i went over to the dark side. He affirmed that we were taught in the SIGS that the part with the clock to the right was referred to in class as the "task bar" and that those icons were running from start up and eating resourses. But that was then and this is now and i can call it macaroni if it will help explain the problem. i have had it tocked and unlocked although i think you may be on to something because i mostly keep it unlocked. Before i lose everything i typed here i will post this and try the alt+tab to see if it brings up those other windows.

[Kryptonite]

No Alt+Tab doesn't bring back those minimized windows....i have no idea where they are or how to get them back. As i have been trying to point out; when i hit the minimize window i can see it disappear down towards the start menu

If i capute screne, which one do i do? basic desktop or one with browser up and running or two or three running but not minimized but half sized? Those should appear in the task bar like the picture i posted should it not?

What is on the blue screne as i also mentioned is a small novel of information....i would have to take a picture of it with my camera and upload it because i'd have to write it on paper then type it out again....hundered words or more is my guess. The only way to create it again is to try to overload the resources and force close it.

Let me know if you've got other idea's....i can tell you the options when i right click the taskbar.

[patio]

As far as the task bar- the entire thing is referred to as a task bar (merely for convenience purposes- we can't go around talking about the "start menu, quick launch, task, and clock"-bar-, contains the start button, Quick Launch area, the actual task bar , and the system notification area. Anything else besides those are extra toolbars, but aren't referred to as a toolbar, but rather by their name, such as the "address bar".

Best thing i've seen this Month ! !

[Kryptonite]

As far as the task bar- the entire thing is referred to as a task bar (merely for convenience purposes- we can't go around talking about the "start menu, quick launch, task, and clock"-bar-, contains the start button, Quick Launch area, the actual task bar , and the system notification area. Anything else besides those are extra toolbars, but aren't referred to as a toolbar, but rather by their name, such as the "address bar".

Best thing i've seen this Month ! !

So Patio, do you know what's happened with my task bar? Until that feature is gone you don't know how much you depend on it. Working without it is like pushing papers aside on a real desk to get to the ones underneath; except on a real desk papers don't completely disappear unless the dog eats it.

[BC_Programmer]

Ctrl+Alt+Delete New Task... Explorer.exe

[BC_Programmer]

As far as the task bar- the entire thing is referred to as a task bar (merely for convenience purposes- we can't go around talking about the "start menu, quick launch, task, and clock"-bar-, contains the start button, Quick Launch area, the actual task bar , and the system notification area. Anything else besides those are extra toolbars, but aren't referred to as a toolbar, but rather by their name, such as the "address bar".

Best thing i've seen this Month ! !

How so? Warranted... I forgot a closing parentheses. I have a habit of doing that.

[patio]

You're not taking compliments very well this Month...

[BC_Programmer]

You're not taking compliments very well this Month...

ahh, ok... thank you, then. 

[Kryptonite]

Ctrl+Alt+Delete New Task... Explorer.exe

Are these two different options? If i install a new IE will I need to save my Favorites?

[BC_Programmer]

um- what does IE have to do with any of this?

[Kryptonite]

um- what does IE have to do with any of this?

IE is absent from the taskbar the middle of the taskbar.

i don't think "Explorer" was ever well explained. So when i hear "explorer" i think IE. i am also aware of "windows explorer" which i use often. It's been my experience that when i'm trying to help someone with computer problems that need a look at the programs, folders, and files; ask them to open WINDOWS Exolorer, they also think IE.
It's what we know that comes first to our minds.
i don't know "explorer" well enough for it to clearly pop into my head. Sorry.

i'd still like to know if their are consequences that would lead to losing something unexpected.

Maybe this will help.

Tried to post a screne shot of my desktop with 4 IE pages open, 1 Word program, 1 Paint program, and Skype. In the middle of my taskbar is one thing that never changes: "Links" My Fox Entertainment and Sports. That site is not open in any of the windows yet that's what i see, not the programs that are open.

[BC_Programmer]

right click an empty area of the taskbar.

select toolbars.

Which items here are checkmarked?

[Kryptonite]

quote author=BC_Programmer link=topic=75296.msg495871#msg495871 date=1233343211]
right click an empty area of the taskbar.

select toolbars.

Which items here are checkmarked?
[/quote]

BC P,   Here are what are checked now: Qucil Launch and Address.

That said i have checked, unchecked, refresed, and rebooted. Every button seems to work except the ones that show which windows/programs i have running.

i've taken several screen shots to post here so maybe it will by more clear what's going on but when i try using the "insert image" button here in the post reply on CH it does this: ( ) but does not open a window for me to "browse" for the images that i've taken.

This is an inconvienience that i would have never realized how problematic it can be. The only way to navigate around this is to keep every window in a less than full mode so i can click on one of the back windows if i want to bring it forward....if there are more than 3 open it's a crap shoot if i'll click the right one so then i have to drag them around to find the one i want.

i can only think of one comparison if anyone can remember back when there was only one button on a mouse. For Mac users that is always ( it's the one and biggest fault with Mac as far as i'm concerned )

So if you can tell me how to post the screen shots maybe you will see that i have about five windows open and the task bar has none of the listed.

Before i sign off here let me tell you my choices in the taskbar "manager"?

Address, Qucik launch, google desktop, links, media player, language bar, desktop manager, desktop, itunes, taskbar manager, ( all of those are in a submenu with an arrow called "Toolbars"
Just right clciking the choices are many: properties, and lock the tool bar, seperator, Task manager, seperator, show the desktop, cascade windows, The windows vertically, the windows horizontally, seperator, TOOLBARS > ( submenues mentioned above ) seperator, close the toolbar,show title, show text, open folder, view> with small icons, large icons.       That's it.

[BC_Programmer]

the insert Image bbcode requires you to upload the file to a file hosting service. if the image is small enough, you could try attaching it. If not, upload it to a image host- Imageshack, photobucket, etc...

Just to clarify your situation- can you see the buttons that are on the taskbar and are unable to click them, or are they simply non-existent? I take it it kept it up after deselecting the Address bar toolbar?

[Kryptonite]

Just to clarify your situation- can you see the buttons that are on the taskbar and are unable to click them, or are they simply non-existent? I take it it kept it up after deselecting the Address bar toolbar?

BC,

BC: "Just to clarify your situation- can you see the buttons that are on the taskbar and are unable to click them, or are they simply non-existent? I take it it kept it up after deselecting the Address bar toolbar?"

Kryp: No, not exactly. Yes i can see buttons and they all work. However, there is that middle part of the taskbar that shows "open windows" "programs" such as IE
( IE is one of the windows of which more than one will usually be open...so for instance i am now writing to you in CH.com, that window is now open and fills my laptop screen from left to right and up and down to the taskbar itself. Behind it is another open IE window with "dictionary.com", and yet another with "wiki.com" ) also open is wordpad, and the game freecell.

i think it is fair to say that this part of the taskbar and/or the name for that specific functionality is not well known enough for someone to recognize the problem....so my guess is that this "problem" doesn't happen often.

In that "middle" part of the taskbar to the right of the start button and the quick launch section and the systray on the extreme right, there has been and IMHO should be a "buttons" with an icon of a KING with the words FREE CELL, a Document icon and the words WordPad and Document, with 3 IE windows open i can see the IE icon with "Wiki....", and Dict...", and "CH...." providing me with the ability to toggle back and forth between windows, pages, programs.   THAT/THOSE buttons do not work now, they don't even appear!

Hence it can be said that "they don't work" i can't even see them!

[Kryptonite]

i found a fix.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

Here is a partial list of fixes:

Taskbar

Taskbar is Missing
Lock Taskbar Greyed Out
Minimized Programs Missing  <--------- this one restored that nameless part that i've been trying to explain.
Stuck in Classic View *
Reduce Size of Buttons
Restore to XP Default *  (clickable)
Toolbars Greyed Out or Missing

[BC_Programmer]

Good to hear it was fixed. Sad to hear we've been talking about the same thing.


It's called the taskbar. Minimized programs are shown on the taskbar. There is no "minimized programs" bar, thats the main feature OF the taskbar, so it isn't given a name.

Now one would reckon that that doesn't make any sense, given the above fix lists "missing taskbar". Well, the taskbar refers to the entire thing- the active programs list (IE- buttons on the taskbar representing each open application). so a missing taskbar refers to a missing start button, quick-launch bar, etc...) is a entity ON the taskbar that IS commonly used, and it likely the most accessed feature of the taskbar.

Trying to describe your problems using your own terminology was the main reason I refrained from posting- since you refuted all statements made as to your situation, and yet the fix you applied merely proves that what we had proposed earlier was indeed the issue.


In fact, reading the fix script proves that the solution was actually quite simple: unlock the taskbar and move the grippers for your quick-launch bar  so that the quick-launch bar isn't consuming the entire taskbar. In fact, if you had accepted the fact that what we were talking about is indeed the main area of the task bar, and followed through with the "Unlocking" of the taskbar at which point I would have likely suggested the use of the gripper bars to resize the quick-launch area so as to make the taskbar (open program list, in this context) more visible.