Startup Problem

[ViperDriver999]

My buddy has an HP laptop computer with Win XP. When he starts it, he selects his user profile and the computer just opens the background he has selected. There is no task bar or start menu. The only thing you can do is hit CTRL-ALT-DEL to open the Task Manager. You can open some programs from the TM, but not most of them. I've tried rebooting it in Safe Mode, but it does the same thing. Anyone have an idea what the problem may be?

 

[cheetoden]

Possibly the "auto-hide the taskbar" box is checked in the taskbar and start menu properties.

Does it reappear if you move the cursor down past the bottom of the screen?

 

[ViperDriver999]

No it doesn't. I'm not sure how you could turn the auto-hide on or off if you can't even get to the taskbar or start menu.

 

[mechBgon]

What happens if you press the "Windows" key on the keyboard, the one that summons up the Start Menu?

 

[ViperDriver999]

Nothing at all. The only thing you can open is Task Manager, and a few select programs from there.

 

[mechBgon]

If it were me, and this were a brand-new Windows install, I think I'd start over If it's not a brand-new one and you need to try to revive it, try a Repair install of Windows.

Boot from your WindowsXP CD and Setup will start. It'll ask whether you want to repair or do a fresh install. This first time that it asks, say "Fresh Install." It will get its stuff ready, and inspect your hard drive, and it will see the C:\WINDOWS folder has a WinXP installation and offer to repair it. Now say "Repair" and let it do its thing. Your apps and files should be left alone but WindowsXP will get reinstalled. Good luck, hope that helps

 

[vietofmars]

back up his files and delete his profile and make a new one.