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

Comment from Kristina on 2009-11-19

2009-11-20T05:04:22Z

Who ever wrote that, thank u , everythink is workin now...XXX

HEY GUYS LISTEN
THIS IS WHAT YOU DO IF THE EXPLORER THING MENTIONED ABOVE DOES NOT WORK...PRess Control/Alt/Delete and bring up the window. Then go to the Processes and scroll down....until u see 'explorer.exe'
click it and then press 'end process'.
THEN go to New task (Run...) in the File menu and type in explorer.exe...It will come now.

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Comment from rodel on 2009-11-13

2009-11-14T04:51:26Z

when your taskbar and start button is missing,it does'nt mean ur computer have a virus,ur videocard might seems not be compatible to your mother board.

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Comment from mac on 2009-10-29

2009-10-29T23:04:02Z

Hi,
i downloaded a media file about a week ago and had to ask for a codec file, I have AVG running and nothing was alerted, however I seem to have picked up a virus which has completely taken away my desktop icons and toolbar.
I have to use Task manager to do anything and I have scanned the computer umpteen times, the AVG finds items but cant do anything with them, including a file called a.exe and msa.exe. it also highlights issues with globalroot files?
Im at a loss, any help much appreciated.
thanks very much all

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Comment from Siw on 2009-10-29

2009-10-29T16:45:54Z

Hi, I've got a problem that looks like this.

Whenever i maximize a screen, the task bar disappears. So i have to make the screen smaller again to see it. Its like if the task bar is "behind" the programs i have open.
Any button i can press ect. to fix this?

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Comment from scroffa on 2009-10-26

2009-10-26T12:41:33Z

Thank you, it worked for me.

One could also try pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL to fire up the Task Manager, look for explorer.exe under the processes tab, if it is there, click on it, and then click on end process, then click on File in the menu, click on New Task (Run...), type in explorer and click on OK.
Posted by: Richie at July 27, 2009 12:37 AM

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Comment from john muchela on 2009-10-23

2009-10-23T14:54:40Z

thanks a lot.i followed the instructions of ctrl+alt+del and then i used the task manager.awesome

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Comment from David Grundy on 2009-10-23

2009-10-23T14:11:33Z

I've found another solution to the taskbar/desktop problem:

Click Ctrl-Alt-Delete
Click on Task Manager
Click on File -> New Task (Run...)
Explorer
Click on OK

Navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools

Double click to load System Restore
Select "Restore my computer to an earlier time"
Select a date when your computer was working
Follow the instuctions and your system will reboot without problems.

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Comment from costalot on 2009-10-21

2009-10-21T20:23:52Z

lost my wireless signal strenth meter from task bar have tryed show on start menu but still no show

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Comment from Joseph D. on 2009-10-17

2009-10-17T20:36:52Z

If you have two screens, you might accidentally drag your taskbar into the other screen. To get it back

(If you have your other screen on then you can skip step one and two)

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Comment from Ellen on 2009-10-14

2009-10-14T14:27:08Z

I work in a school in the computer lab and the cause of my taskbar disappearing seems to be a program called JumpStart Second Grade created by Knowledge Adventure. This is a very annoying problem for the whole class!!!!

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Comment from Ashley on 2009-10-08

2009-10-08T07:13:36Z

Response to Scott, articles first comment. Your 2nd monitor solution fixed it all. Thanks man

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Comment from Nicole on 2009-10-07

2009-10-07T22:57:24Z

THank you so much. I had been missing my taskbar for a long time now and go use to not having it around. Thanks to stumble i randomly found this page.

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Comment from prairie dog on 2009-09-26

2009-09-27T00:18:15Z

The cause of this problem for me was the computer thinking I had two monitors installed. I believe that this happened because I had used a utility that created multiple virtual desktops. To correct the problems I went to Desktop->Properties->Settings Tab and selected the monitor that I did NOT want in the drop list and unchecked "Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor". This page was very helpful to me in identifying the problem.

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Comment from jv on 2009-09-20

2009-09-20T17:23:52Z

pls pls help me.. i've tried everything.. when i type explorer.. what pops out is my documents folder.. i tried to kill the explorer.exe process before attempting to run explorer again but still my documents folder is the one appearing.. my family's a paranoid.. they'd be shocked if they can't find the desktop shortcuts, start menu and the taskbar.. PLS PLS HELP ME!!

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Comment from clsxplor on 2009-09-09

2009-09-10T01:55:17Z

I lost my taskbar and discovered by clicking on "tools" on the command bar at the top of the screen that I had inadvertently checked "full screen". When I unchecked it, the task bar came back.

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Comment from curtis on 2009-09-01

2009-09-01T09:50:59Z

check to be sure you are only on one screen and not two togle + - on your monitor if it shows up
with no icons its on dual screens
go to screen resolutions and highlight 1 screen
and uncheck boxes accordingly

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Comment from ry on 2009-08-26

2009-08-26T18:42:35Z

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I lived with the inconvenience of now taskbar and having to use the task manager to start everything for three months before I founds this! Thanks!

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Comment from Abhay on 2009-08-26

2009-08-26T16:38:39Z

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Comment from Ninjahedge on 2009-08-14

2009-08-14T20:05:10Z

OK,

I had something similar just now. After minimizing an individual window inside of Adobe Acrobat that was stretched across two unequal sized screens, the whole program window disappeared as well. It was not closed (I could ALT-Tab it). The Taskbar disappeared as wel.

The only thing that worked was the Task Manager (CTRL-ALT-DEL) and stopping Explorer, then File > New Task . "explorer". Popped back up.

Unusual error, but what can I say....

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Comment from Panfilo Actub Jr on 2009-08-14

2009-08-14T12:23:01Z

i also got stuck with this problem just 2 months ago and i was shock to read the article here and other sites... i did all the help this and other site offered but to no avail.
i wish this simple comments of mine do a little favor on your problem.
here it is... just remove the software that change the appearance of your computer like Inspirat XP or any docks.... reboot then your start button will be there again.

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Comment from Scott on 2009-08-13

2009-08-13T21:24:59Z

Also, very rare, but make sure that it doens't think 2 monitors are installed, and your task bar is on the other monitor. Right click on the Desktop>Properties>Settings tab>right click #2 Monitor and make sure Attached is not checked.

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Comment from Beatrice Nalikena on 2009-08-12

2009-08-12T11:54:15Z

Thanks so much for your assistance I had no idea how i could bring my taskbar back and the situation was getting out of hand until i consulted with your website. Ctrl+Esc did not work for me but the explorer on the task manager did the magic. Thanks

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Comment from Emmy on 2009-08-11

2009-08-11T17:46:56Z

hmm i wish that helped me :[ i dont even have a bg at the moment everythings GONE. the laptop says i have to validate vista to prove that its real and not illegal.. to do that i need a start menu. problem? i dont have a start menu.. any tips? they would be deeply appreciated
x

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Comment from Richie on 2009-07-27

2009-07-27T07:37:55Z

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Comment from LIbby on 2009-07-08

2009-07-08T23:43:19Z

THANK YOU SO MUCH! My taskbar went bye-bye and I looked at this website and it was so fast after my mom and I spent nearly half an hour or more trying to get it back. Thanks~

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Comment from Rebecca on 2009-06-13

2009-06-14T01:37:11Z

AWESOME!! I was shocked when my taskbar disappeared! (I had my nose where it didn't belong in the task manager). I had no clue what I did and when I searched Google, your article was the first result. I simply typed in explorer as you said and WALAAA!!! It's back!! I've never fixed a computer problem so easily! THANKS!!

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Comment from Kalynn on 2009-06-13

2009-06-13T13:41:32Z

This was so, so, so helpful! I can not thank you enough!

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Comment from Rick on 2009-06-12

2009-06-12T10:53:06Z

Problem is are samed i can't see taskbar
i do the all following method but its all failure
what i do
i think it will be better that i re-install window

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Comment from Desiree on 2009-06-09

2009-06-10T00:14:33Z

Thank you Thank you Thank you! My task bar disappeared on Sunday and I have gone through every program, document, and internet assist site that I could find! I finally stumbled upon this site and am so relieved!!! The "explorer" program was not running and I would have never have known that without your help!!!

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Comment from GREG on 2009-06-03

2009-06-03T07:22:49Z

THANK YOU THANK YOU SOO MUCH I HAD NO TASK BAR NO START BUTTON OR MENU AFTER SERVICE PACK 2 UPDATE
RAN MALAWARE BYTES VIRUSDETECTION IT FOUND 4 TROJANS
IT REMOVED THEM AND BOOM THERE WAS THE START MENU
AND TASK BAR THANK YOU SO MUCH

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Comment from Savannah on 2009-06-02

2009-06-02T23:45:48Z

I tried all of the above and somehow it won't work.I pressed CTRL+ALT+DEL and brought up the Task Manager and typed in explorer,instead it brought up My Documents.I can't do no spyware check because I don't have any installed on my computer and can't find any that is good enough.Any advice?PLEASE!

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Comment from Christopher on 2009-05-29

2009-05-29T23:19:11Z

None of your suggestions worked, but it was a learning experience trying them. I finally got fed up that under normal bootup I had no mouse or keyboard control. Ctrl-Esc and Ctrl-Alt-Del did nothing. I got so fed up after multiple reinstalls, etc., that I shook the mouse violently. And then from the edge of the screen, the mouse pointer appeared. Was this computer setup with 2 monitors? This computer had been hooked up to two monitors at some point under the local administrator profile, although not for years under the current user's profile. Safe mode was coming up fine, but the extended desktop was on and the monitors were switched. I moved my test monitor to the other monitor port and there was my desktop. Back in business!

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Comment from Elsia on 2009-05-25

2009-05-25T20:01:43Z

THANK YOU SOO SOOO SOOOOO MUCH! I must abmit I don't really know much about computers,but through trial and error i've been teaching myself. When I got on and couldn't find my taskbar nor did I see my icons,I thought i'd lost my computer! lol Your site made it easy and simple to follow and I got it! Thanks!

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Comment from Jim Henderson on 2009-05-06

2009-05-06T11:43:27Z

Leo's recipe for how to get the task bar back is nearly correct. At first I got the same result as
"Posted by: Asif at March 9, 2009 3:46 PM" in that an explorer window opened showing My Documents. Then I kept looking through my google hits page and found an article at Windows Annoyances that said I needed to close all visible Explorer windows first. So I did Alt-Tab enough times to get to each explorer window and closed them all. Then when I tried Leo's recipe, it worked :-)
Apparently when explorer.exe starts up, it checks to see if another instance of itself is running already. If not, it turns itself into a taskbar window at the bottom of the screen, otherwise it opens an ordinary explorer window displaying My Documents. Clever behaviour in a program, but confusing for us humans.
Thanks Leo, perhaps you could add "close any open explorer windows" to your recipe.

Jim

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Comment from xindi924 on 2009-05-04

2009-05-04T09:38:09Z

whew, ctrl alt del works... thanks a lot...

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Comment from zach on 2009-04-28

2009-04-28T19:32:33Z

oh man thanks for the help. We had a virus so we ran anti-virus and when we did it all dissapeared as did the icons. Its bheen a month and this is the only place i found the answer. just typing explorer in worked. thanks

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Comment from Rick Barker on 2009-04-25

2009-04-25T15:50:22Z

I can't tell you how good it is to type in "where did my start button go on vista" and actually find you there to help. Many thanks I've bookmarked you and bought you your favorite drink.

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Comment from Dan on 2009-04-16

2009-04-16T18:12:08Z

Thank You Leo......My taskbar is restored Your Amazing!!!!!

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Comment from Lily on 2009-03-21

2009-03-21T07:40:23Z

This has been happening for little over a week. When I turn on my laptop, everything's fine. My toolbar is there, it's all good. Then, when it's all booted up, the toolbar disappears. I've tried everything. I tried the task manager thing, but nothing happened. I don't want to restart windows, because I'll lose all my files. It's so annoying! I can maneuver alright, I can use ctrl+tab to switch from window to window and the windows logo button to access my start key, but I never know what time it is and the tab trick gets annoying.

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Comment from Phillip on 2009-03-15

2009-03-15T11:55:51Z

The end eplorer.exe task then run new task explorer.exe worked for me. Thanks

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Comment from Asif on 2009-03-09

2009-03-09T22:46:37Z

my TASKBAR AND START MENU ISN'T COMIN UP BUT ALL THA IS COMIN UP WHEN I PRESS CTRL-ALT-DEL TYPE 'explorer' and all that comes up is my documents

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Comment from nig on 2009-03-02

2009-03-03T07:23:04Z

i tried everything but did not work out..the windows key is also disabled! pliz find me another solution!!

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Comment from avd on 2008-10-30

2008-10-30T21:27:27Z

On an older computer with W98SE, this "file, new, run" fix isn't available. But I was able to fix the problem by minimizing an open window and watching the direction it moves in as it minimizes. I dragged the cursor over to that side and sure enough the task bar reappeared and could be repositioned at the bottom. Phew!

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Comment from Luke on 2008-08-16

2008-08-16T21:46:48Z

I made a mirror image from C: to D: (as C: is a 40gb HD and D: is a 320Gb HD)

The original works fine (used to work fine as I already formatted that HD), the mirror has the problem: no taskbar, start menu, explorer.exe running.

I tried the SFC, BUT I get error message on cmd window.

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Comment from Omar on 2008-06-27

2008-06-28T03:15:30Z

To the person that has lost their printer icon. Have you tried, start, programs, my compouter, printers and fax, view my printer. When the printer icon appears, drag it to the desktop.

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Comment from Omar on 2008-06-27

2008-06-28T03:12:49Z

I haven't read where anyone has tried system restore on the missing task bar. I can't say that this will work, but it's worth a try. Make sure you oare in safe mode. Otherwise, not all things may be restored.

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Comment from Omar on 2008-06-21

2008-06-22T00:06:13Z

If you have lost your taskbar, shut down your computer and restart. There is a good chance it will come back.

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Comment from James on 2008-05-31

2008-06-01T02:23:52Z

IMPORTANT: If you encounter this problem, and it still shows after a restart you may have to End Task the explorer.exe, then New Task (Run) Explorer. It seem that sometimes the file is running, but errors. I noticed that some people mentioned trying it, but they did not make sure the old process was stopped before trying to start it again. If you don't end the old process, a new one will not start, or will start with the same error.

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Comment from Viking on 2008-05-23

2008-05-23T20:00:05Z

I have a big problem. When I boot my PC, no taskbar appears. When I press Ctrl+Alt+Del and run a new task "explorer", the desktop and all the icons appear for 3-5 seconds and then the explorer process ends and everything disappears. This happens every time I run explorer.exe Without it, I can't do many things... I also noticed a svchost error message appearing sometimes. I have checked my PC with NOD antivirus. A few viruses/trojans were discovered and succesfuly deleted. I have also used SpyBot Search and Destroy to remove spyware. But this hasn't helped at all :( I have read that updating my WinXP is also recommended, but I have no idea how to update without the explorer.exe process running. I have WinXP Pro with SP2 installed. I want to avoid reinstalling it as it takes a lot of work and I do not have the install CD. What should I do? Please, help me

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Comment from Manveru on 2008-04-06

2008-04-06T09:36:22Z

Taskbar and Desktop missing (not interactive):
As stated try to run 'explorer' or 'explorer.exe' with the taskmanager (Ctrl+Alt+Del) -> File > New Task (Run...).
Sometimes the explorer.exe is not fully crashed. Then just another file explorer will show up but the taskbar will still be missing.
In that case you may have to kill the process 'explorer.exe' in the 'Processes'-tab of the taskmanager first and then run it again as described above.

The problem described here is just a crashed explorer. This solution will not help when experiencing permanent desktop problems (e.g. just set invisible or serious problems). It is a quick fix to access all running programs (especially programs iconified to the tray), saving all the data and then doing a proper reboot.

Greets

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Comment from SOnja on 2008-04-01

2008-04-01T22:32:49Z

For anyone who needs step by step instructions on how to fix your missing taskbar.

1. Press ctl alt delete and task manager comes up
2. Click onto applications and click > New task
3. Type regedit and press ok
4. Click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
CLick SOFTWARE
Click Microsoft
Click Windows NT
Click CurrentVersion
CLick Winlogon
5. Now look for the entry SHELL
6. If it is not there you will need to create it, to do this right click on winlogon and click "new" > Key
7. Type the name SHELL and press enter
8. Now on the right hand side double click on the (default) this brings up a box where you can type the words explorer.exe
8. Press ok and then exit regedit
9. Restart your computer.
10. Now your back in business!

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell

Explorer.exe

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Comment from cd061607 on 2008-01-08

2008-01-08T09:27:21Z

as i logged into my user the only thing i could see was my wallpaper and NO ICONS OR TASKBAR, now i have to use the task manager which takes a long time to open programs and i cantopen certain programmes...
TRY TO SEARCH EXPLORER.EXE..IF YOU FOUND ONE DOUBLE CLICK ON IT AND EVERYTHING SHOWS UP...

Thanks to all...

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Comment from Mic on 2008-01-07

2008-01-08T04:29:20Z

We just had the same problem as Jon, our new graphics card was set to 2 monitors. We had to go into the display (right click on the desktop, properties and settings). You may have a 1 2 and 3 showing up, this is for each monitor, 1 should look normal, with any other numbers greyed out. If 2 is not greyed out this could be your problem. Click on 2 and make sure that extend my windows desktop to this monitor is not checked. Voila.

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Comment from Ken on 2008-01-06

2008-01-06T18:17:43Z

What worked for me was running control.exe (control panel) then clicking on Taskbar and Start Menu.
What I found is Lock the taskbar was checked.
When I unchecked it, I could see the very edge of the taskbar at the botton of the screen.
I could then find and drag the resize arrow to make the taskbar bigger and presto, the full taskbar is back.

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Comment from Jon on 2008-01-03

2008-01-04T04:08:51Z

i recently had this problem after purchasing a graphics card, your graphics card can be set as having two monitors, so go into your graphics or display and make sure its set to one monitor.

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Comment from Smiley on 2007-12-29

2007-12-30T01:49:02Z

Last week for some reason my task bar, start menu and icons all disappeared, all that was on my screen when I signed on was my desktop wallpaper. I tried to do a right click and nothing came up, the only way I was able to go online was through the task manager. As you can imagine, it took me a lot longer to get to programs through the task manager. I ran my anti-virus scan and there were no viruses detected. I tried to bring up the explorer.exe but it was gone. I searched for several days online for ideas and tried everything that was suggested but nothing worked. I was scared to do a Windows XP repair with my CD because I was afraid all my files on my computer would be gone. After about a week of trying to find something that worked, I finally just did the Windows XP repair with my Windows XP CD. After the repair was done I logged back on and EVERYTHING WAS REPAIRED AND EVEN ALL OF MY FILES WERE STILL THERE! I had to update Windows XP all over again. Now my computer is finally working and I didn't have to send my computer some where and pay $$$$ to fix it. I would suggest doing the Windows XP repair with your Windows XP CD, it's worth it! But use the Windows XP CD repair only if you have tried everything else that was suggested. GOOD LUCK!

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Comment from Chris on 2007-11-28

2007-11-28T19:12:47Z

SYMPTOMS
When you start Windows XP, you may experience one or more of the following behaviors: • When you log on normally, the taskbar does not appear.
• If you press CTRL+ESC, the Start menu does not appear.
• If you log on to Windows in Safe mode, the taskbar does appear.

Back to the top

CAUSE
This behavior can occur if the Windows settings for a particular user account are corrupted.
Back to the top

RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods.
Back to the top

Method 1: Troubleshoot by Starting Windows with a Minimal Set of Drivers
Try to determine whether a damaged or incompatible driver is the cause of this behavior. To do this, start Windows XP in Safe mode, and then use the clean boot troubleshooting method to determine whether a specific driver or file is causing this issue.

For additional information about how to perform clean-boot troubleshooting, click the article number%2 below to view the article%2 in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
310353 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353/EN-US/) How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP
If you determine that a driver file that is loaded by a specific program is causing this issue, remove that program, and then restart Windows normally.
Back to the top

Method 2: Create a New User Account
Log on to the computer as Administrator, and then create a new user account. To do this, follow these steps: 1. Restart the computer. When the Power On Self Test (POST) completes, press F8.
2. On the Windows Advanced Options Menu, use the ARROW keys to select Safe Mode, and then press ENTER.
3. When you are prompted to select which operating system to start, select Microsoft Windows XP edition (where edition is the edition of Windows XP that is installed), and then press ENTER.
4. On the To begin, click your user name screen, click Administrator.
5. Type the administrator password, and then click the arrow button.

NOTE: In some cases, the Administrator password may be set to a blank password. In this case, do not enter a password before you click the arrow button.
6. Click Yes to close the message that states that Windows is running in Safe mode.
7. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage on the shortcut menu that appears.
8. In the Computer Management (Local) list, expand Local Users and Groups.
9. Right-click the Users folder, and then click New User on the shortcut menu that appears.
10. Type the user name and password in the appropriate boxes, and then retype the password in the Confirm password box.

NOTE: If you do not want to assign a password to the user account, do not type a password in the Password or Confirm password boxes.
11. Click to clear the User must change password at next logon check box.
12. Click to select the Password never expires check box if you do not want the password to expire.
13. Click Create, click Close, and then quit the Computer Management snap-in.
14. Restart Windows normally, and then log on as the new user that you created.
15. If the issue is resolved, reinstall the programs that you want, and then copy the documents that you want from the My Documents folder of the old user account. To copy the contents of the My Documents folder of the old user account, follow these steps:a. Log off Windows.
b. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE twice.

The Log On to Windows dialog box appears.
c. In the User name box, type Administrator. In the Password box, type the administrator password, and then click OK.
d. Right-click Start, and then click Explore on the shortcut menu that appears.
e. In the Folders tree, expand the old user account under Documents and Settings.
f. Click user name's Documents (where user name is the name of the old user account with which you experience this issue).
g. On the Edit menu, click Select All, and then click Copy on the Edit menu.
h. Under Documents and Settings, expand the new user account folder.
i. Click new user's Documents (where new user is the name of the new user account that you created).
j. On the Edit menu, click Paste.
k. If you are prompted to replace files or folders, click Yes to All to confirm the replacement.
l. On the File menu, click Close.
m. Log off Windows.

Back to the top

Method 3: Repair Windows XP
Perform an in-place repair of Windows XP. Start the installation of Windows XP, but select the option to repair the existing installation. This will replace all of the Windows files, while leaving the installed programs and data intact.

For additional information about how to perform an in-place repair of Windows XP, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
315341 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341/EN-US/) How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP
Back to the top

MORE INFORMATION
For additional information about how to restore your address book and mail folders, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
188854 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/188854/EN-US/) OLEXP: How to Back Up the Outlook Express Address Book and Mail Folders

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Comment from jon on 2007-11-24

2007-11-24T19:24:18Z

TASK BAR MISSING FIXED

i tried this
1. go to START BAR
2. right click and go to PROPERTIES
3. click the CLASSIC START MENU--- click apply
you have classic start menu now... the start bar shoul be ok now.

then do steps 1 and 2 but this time select START MENU and apply to revert back to your xp start bar menu.

hope this helps.

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Comment from Jason on 2007-09-21

2007-09-21T13:44:40Z

Taskbar Repair Tool.
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm
home to a bunch of excellent scripts I have used on more than one occasion to get me out of a tight jam....These are vb or wsh scripts so no installation, and you can check out the source just incase you're worried. For the majority of you, I would recommend the top script - 'Taskbar is Missing', or if your apps are missing on the taskbar, the 3rd option 'minimized programs missing'...And don't spend ages trying to click on the drop downs - it's a screenshot of the full app - the links are underneath to some of the scripts contained within the full application, which is only $5 and well worth it.

hope this helps

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Comment from tasha on 2007-09-19

2007-09-19T11:51:08Z

i have same thing iv tried everythink i know i hav e a trojan but dunno how long iv had it for and my toolbar and start button have been gone for a week now i have to run things thru windows task mangaer .When i type in the C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe or explorer the toolbar and start button re-apear but then go again str8 after so i dunno what to do pleaseee help i wanna aviod doing a re-covary :(

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Comment from June Tiffany on 2007-08-26

2007-08-26T16:10:58Z

What do you do when only 1 icon disappears? My printer icon is gone. I have tried properties to put it back, but no luck. Any suggestions

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Comment from Jeff on 2007-08-16

2007-08-16T22:16:14Z

If using Task Manager's File, New Task (Run...) to start "explorer" results in a Windows Explorer window being created, then you likely already have explorer.exe running. You should then kill it via Task Manager, then try the trick again and this time it should restore your taskbar and start menu (albeit any Windows Explorer windows you had open before you lost the taskbar/start menu will now be gone.

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Comment from Dr^sRalph^Jana Pryse,PhI,PhD:APL! on 2007-08-15

2007-08-16T00:09:23Z

THNX.LEO:'I Am',[Ex3:14!], running XP, on a GW310, w/a DELL Monitor,(my GW mon. broke,~repairable;so my S.H.I.P. sponsored,'Paid companion',(a PC Guru!),Mr.Jim Meyers, just up^took my SHIP sponsored DELL Mon.^ used it instead!/Where-o-WHERE-oh, is my taskbar?

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Comment from Tan Boon Wan on 2007-06-12

2007-06-13T03:19:26Z

I have an Dell Optiplex 745 with two Dell 1907FP color monitors running Windows XP. I can see the icons in the Desktop window but the Start Button and Task Bar are missing. The two monitors are connected via one adapter card. Tried Ctrl + Esc keys, does not work. Have also tried most of your advice above, but also not working. Tks for any advice.

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Comment from Shirley Smith on 2007-06-06

2007-06-07T04:54:27Z

We have read and tried most of the above information, pressing ctrl-esc, have also done the alt-ctrl-delete and gone into the New Task (run) and typed explore, also typed in cmd....each time it come up with the my documents folder. I have tried to do a virus scan, I cannot get into explore7 or get into my incredimail email. I can though send and receive email through hotmail and am able to type in WLM where my friend and I have been trying to troubleshoot this problem. I did momentarily turn of the wireless fios, in logging into other user the task bar and start menu are there but none functional as I was going to try and do a system restore from there...everything that has been tried just seems to fail. Any ideas would be appreciated.

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Comment from bayfr3sh on 2007-03-23

2007-03-23T11:22:54Z

if you cant figure out wat happend to your taskbar, but you can open up START with either the windows logo key, or ctrl + esc , then right click the empty space right above where it syas start then go to properties..Click on the Taskbar option on the top left.. Change any of the settings such as Auto-hide the taskbar.. then apply.. By changing an option for the Taskbar, you re-enable the taskbar

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2007-02-01

2007-02-01T23:47:11Z

That's this article: http://ask-leo.com/why_dont_running_programs_show_in_my_taskbar.html

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Comment from Shano on 2007-02-01

2007-02-01T23:42:00Z

Hi, All.

It's not that my task bar does't appear: it's that the windows/programs I minimise don't appear on the task bar. They "shrink to vanish" only not to appear on the bar. CTRL+TAB allows me to call any of the open programs to appear, but I can't do the same by clicking on a mininised icon because they're not showing! I can't find any help on this. Any ideas? Win XP SP2.

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Comment from hauitsme on 2006-12-19

2006-12-19T21:51:15Z

I forgot to add that this started AFTER the latest windoze security 'update' last week.

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Comment from hauitsme on 2006-12-19

2006-12-19T21:45:37Z

I'm running XP Pro. My taskbar/Start button ceases to respond only after I open MyDocuments or any other folder that resides in MyDocuments. I can still see the taskbar, and its 'frozen' in its last state. I've run 3 different antivirus programs, 2 spyware and 2 adware programs with nothing showing up. Windows-Esc does nothing, opening task manager and running a 'new' instance of explorer again does nothing. As long as I don't open MyDocuments everything works fine.

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Comment from John T on 2006-10-23

2006-10-24T00:41:34Z

Hello. I'm having somewhat of the same problem. My taskbar is "painted over" with beige, no start button. I tried fixing the registry, yet I cant start -> run anything because when I do press the windows button on the keyboard, I can only access "All Programs". I can't ctrl + alt + del and every time I try and open something it says "This application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem." I can't reinstall anything , because when I do click on the .exe to install it, that same message pops up. Has anyone had this problem before? Thanks a lot

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Comment from Eric T on 2006-10-23

2006-10-23T22:06:43Z

We were having the same problem and removing Google Desktop did the trick. After logging in, press ctrl-alt-del and select Task Manager. Click File-> New Task and type "appwiz.cpl". This will bring up add/remove programs. Select Google Desktop and click remove. You may see some information pop ups. Keeping clicking ok untill the app is removed. Restart your computer and your start bar and icons should be back.

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2006-10-21

2006-10-22T00:58:55Z

You may want this article: http://ask-leo.com/why_dont_running_programs_show_in_my_taskbar.html

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Comment from Dennis on 2006-10-21

2006-10-22T00:46:01Z

Greetings from Devon Leo .
I have a blue line along the bottom of the screen and no Start button or clock.
If I place my mouse pointer on the blue line I get the correct double arrow but I cannot click and drag to expand the line to show these items.
If I right click on the blue line I get a menu with 'Toolbars' at the top. If I click on an item like 'Quick Launch' I can then click and drag the blue line up to show the Start button the clock and Quick launch stuff etc.

However none of the tasks for open windows show up on the blue bar. If I minimise a window it vanishes - only to be found again by typing Alt Tab. I have tried the Task Manager and restarted exporer. I'm a bit dubious about messing with the registry.

Any ideas?

Thanks - Dennis

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Comment from Manny on 2006-09-26

2006-09-26T16:36:20Z

this solution worked. THANKS SO MUCH.

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell the value data should be "Explorer.exe

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Comment from Allanon on 2006-08-28

2006-08-28T11:12:54Z

I seem to have a worse problem here. I'm not sure if my comp is infected by a virus but I do not seem to have a desktop (only has the background image in the computer) no start bar and windows explorer could not open. The problem seemed to occur after I cancelled an installation of google desktop.

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Comment from Steve on 2006-08-04

2006-08-04T17:37:32Z

If it is still possible to access the task manager through Ctrl-Alt-Del while in normal or safe mode, then you can try to run the regedit command, and then check for this entry

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell the value data should be "Explorer.exe". If it is not, then change it, or else if you don't have that value name, create it. After that, restart. Hope it will help.

Steve

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Comment from Tara on 2006-07-28

2006-07-29T02:40:04Z

If your taskbar comes back and then disappears, it is likely set to "auto-hide" right-click (right mouse button) on the taskbar and select properties. Then, uncheck the auto-hide feature. The one thing I have seen take out explorer.exe and be pretty much unrepairable was when google desktop was manually removed. I did a system restore to before google desktop was removed and it fixed it on one computer, another computer remained broken.

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Comment from Dick on 2006-07-26

2006-07-27T00:24:18Z

Last update - at least from me. I did a full reinstall of Win XP Pro from the original CD and that brought back the task bar, start button, clock everything except all programs and Win updates. It's a long road to rebuild - start with Windows Update so you get the service packs and umpteen other "Critical Updates". The move files back from the backup disk and cull the progams and reinstall those. I'm moving the program folders back but downloading new versions or clean download and letting the Install Wizard install them as if for the first time except in some cases specialized items I might have had set up will be intact from the archived folder. Have to reinstall the printer and any other peripherals that aren't simple plug n play types.

Big pain but the computer is functional again. Stil feel there's a simpler fix out there and still interested in a better answer than the big kahuna of a total reformat/reinstall.

dick in kc

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Comment from Dick on 2006-07-24

2006-07-24T23:12:57Z

An update on what hasn't helped. Everything I've tried has not helped - still no task bar, no start menu, can't get to Control Panel functions so operating via Task Manager only and cumbersome switching between programs. I'm almost used to it. Can't launch and hold Windows Explorer so had to download an Win Explorer substitute program just to move files with. Oh, the pain of it all.

I have - run virus checks, registry clean/repair via several programs, spybot/malware cleaners, the SFC routine mentioned here and today a "repair reinstall" from my orignal WIN XP PRO CD.

Guess what? Still no task bar, start menu, etc. And I lost some functions I had before the repair install.

The only thing left is a full Install which will wipe out my existing programs and data. I have them backed up on a 200 gig external drive so that should be preserved.

I have not read anybody with a successful fix to this problem yet. The Repair Reinstall and SFC both sounded promising to me but they didn't effect a fix. Could there be a hardware problem on my HP? I assumed it was a corrupted Win Sys file but the reinstall should have taken care of that.

Anybody??

Dick W.

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Comment from Hans on 2006-07-08

2006-07-09T00:34:34Z

You may want this article: http://ask-leo.com/why_dont_running_programs_show_in_my_taskbar.html

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Comment from help on 2006-07-03

2006-07-03T21:15:46Z

Hi, my task button disappears from the bottom of the task bar. I can't see which application is active/open. Hence everytime, i have to use alt-tab or alt esc to select the application. Please help.

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Comment from w b on 2006-06-03

2006-06-03T20:58:56Z

it helps to end explorer before you restart it using taskmanager

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Comment from Dick on 2006-05-24

2006-05-24T14:40:23Z

Me too - no taskbar, no start button, clock, desktop icons - all missing. Ran all the checks available - no change. I did download IE 7 Beta 2 and can use that along with Firefox so can do most things I need to but it's cumbersome. Can't find my WIN XP Pro install disks (I do have them) but from the above I'm not too optimistic that a reinstall will help either. Lots of Google searching doesn't bring up any one good explanation or solution so the cause and fix remain elusive to me.

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Comment from tom on 2006-05-22

2006-05-22T21:27:20Z

same prob but only after installing a new GeoForce FX 5200 PCI card. Went back to onboard video and it works fine. Any help would be appreciated. Thinking driver...

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Comment from jon on 2006-05-16

2006-05-16T20:26:59Z

I have the same problem, my taskbar starts but disappears in a few seconds each time i restart the explorer.exe. Most help discussions just say to restart the explorer or to boot to safe mode. I think the only fix via the registry, but I'm not sure what to do.

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Comment from dreadfro on 2006-05-03

2006-05-03T13:24:55Z

yesh me too. i got same problem... i cant find my taskbar so i fully scan my computer with anti-virus... and i went to firewall setting and it said that i cant open it cause theres some problem that causing it.

can anyone help me
dreadfro@hotmail.com

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A comment on: My Taskbar is missing and I have no Start button - what do I do?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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Comment from mmtahir on 2006-04-12

2006-04-12T16:07:57Z

Same here, I have tried almost all of the same and tried to refresh (update the windows). It did not work.

I true to run explorer.exe from the task manager but it appears for a fraction of a second and then disappears. Internet explorer also not working and could not see the control panel.

Is there any hack around this too.?

thanks

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A comment on: My Taskbar is missing and I have no Start button - what do I do?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from nathan on 2006-02-23

2006-02-23T14:10:53Z

hey dude
my p.c taskbar has gone ive tried evrything and it stil wont work and i havent got the disk to reinstall windows wat else can i do plz help me as i can not use my p.c btw what evr i done it has canceld my network form my donw stairs comp and has caneld the internet so can u plz help me thanks nath

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A comment on: My Taskbar is missing and I have no Start button - what do I do?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.