My Taskbar is missing and I have no Start button - what do I do?

Ok, I’ve had the same problem, but fixed it. First open up task manager, but if there is No Task Manager, then go to RUN and type in this Code and hit OK. The following code will unblock the Task Manager, (Windows XP Sys) but it will not remove the Virus (if any) from your computer

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

After clicking OK You may NOW go to task Manager, Next in the Task Manager window go to the processes tab and look for any process that looks like the virus or virus scan program that is using most of your CPU, click on it and at the bottom of window click "End Process". (Never END "sys idle process” OR “Exployer.exe”) a warning window will pop up with some scary stuff on it; click "OK" any way,
Now while the virus is asleep, Delete temporary internet files, delete all cookies, Clean browsers, you can find these things by clicking on "tools", then go to "internet options", when that window pops up delete "Browsing history", Now you can start a virus scan, and then a sys restore.
Also remember that any time your surfing the web and you get one of those virus scan Warning pop-up DON’T CLICK ON ANY THING IN THAT WINDOW, While that pop-up is showing try to log off the internet, if you cant log off or do any thing else while that window is showing, go to Task manager right away, go to the APPICATIONS tab , click that program and END TASK, Then clean internet files and browser and reboot.
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The Start button remains, but my taskbar disappears when the screen goes to sleep. I'll try both these fixes next time and see what works. The pop-up that appeared while I was looking at your article was not expected or appreciated, but the info is. Thanks.

A followup to my previous comment.
I am running Windows 7.
CTRL+ESC gave me the Start Menu, which is nice but not helpful in this instance. My Start Button remains.
CTRL+ALT+DEL gives me a page where ai can choose to start the Task Manager.
I do, and check for explorer.exe. It is running.
If I select explorer.exe and "end task," I can then restart explorer.exe and my taskbar reappears. I suspect that it moves to the background and is behind my screen background.

This ought to be an easy fix, but no such option appears when I right click, as would be reasonable. However, sooner or later I will find it, because I know it exists. "Keep background always in back" would work, as would "keep taskbar always on top."

i went to CTRL+ALT+DEL then Task Manager then i go New task enter explorer.exe press ok but it sends me to my library

The best thing and easiest way to get it back is to do a System Restore to a prior date.

I had the same issue on my laptop. I found and tried a lot of suggestions myself. Once sudden, I hit the keys "WINDOWS sign" & "D" that displays my task manager bar again. Then, I just restarted my laptop that worked out well. I checked my desktop full keyboard that turn out to be correct keys for that issue.

Thank you! Yu are a life saver!

Thanks mush Leo for the information on missing task bar i stressed for days to try to fix it one easy step and like magic it was back thanks agian

Hi, can some1 PLEEAASSSEE help?? My tool bar that sits at the top of screen that has my "Bookmarks" in it has dissapeared & cant seem to fix it, I just managed to get My "Start" menu back using the actions posted on here...Ctrl/Alt/esc. thank-U in advance :)

If your Taskbar has disappeared and won't appear even from these steps, try opening a full-screen application like a game and exiting it. That usually works.