Windows XP settings problem, can anyone help?
 

Next to the clock I should be able to see icons for programs that are already running on the computer, but since last night, I see nothing. I have Firewall software, StatsRemote, MSN Messenger etc running so the icons should be there, but they're not.

<img src="http://www.hotlinkpro.com/xp-problem.gif">

I've tried restarting, running ScanDisk etc but no luck. I figure it must be a setting that's been changed. I searched through every option for every icon on the control panel, but to no luck.

How can I fix this?

Maybe it's time I tried Mac.

probably there is a easiest way, but reinstalling windows will fix the problem

you try this

start - settings - taskbar - CUSTOMIZE - and maybe restore defaults or your custom settings?

have yo tried going to taskbar properties and having hide inactive icon's unchecked?

Thanks for the feedback... I'm going to have a bit of a problem with it, though...

<img src="http://www.hotlinkpro.com/xp-problem.jpg">

Looks like something fucked with my system. Strange, because I always keep everything up to date and secure, and no shitty software (gator etc) or warez is installed. If I find out what it is, I'll post it here. :mad:

dang, that sucks.....

check your msconfig see if you got something funky running.

i was going to suggest turning on the quicklaunch but it looks like you have it on already

OK thanks guys, I fixed it by downloading this:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

Now everything is fine, though I still don't know what caused it.

I am a new guy to XP
I am used to windows 98 and linux.

but I do believe just like win 98 their is a way to set your system back to the last snapshoot or even earlier than that, you'll have to look around for it. that should get you out of the hole for now.

once you are straight get a firewall.

Run search and destroy program (do a google search using terms search and destroy and spybot) and some anti hijacking immunizing tools

I did that yesterday, Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware. Strangely enough, that's what may have caused it.

I think you could have accessed the 'hide options' if you had unchecked the lock taskbar box. ;-)