How to Fix Windows Taskbar Errors



Windows Taskbar Errors can be perplexing. One minute, you have access to your programs and applications and the next, you are running into errors because, for some reason, those applications are no longer located in the taskbar. In other words, program icons that were in the toolbar have disappeared, the entire taskbar has vanished or maybe even the Start menu has relocated. This can be very frustrating and very mysterious. Don't worry – this is an easy problem to fix.

Uncheck the Auto Hide

Before you do anything else, make sure that the "Auto-Hide" is unchecked. You can find the auto-hide on your taskbar. To adjust its settings, complete the following:

  1. Hit "Control" and then "Esc" (Escape) together.
  2. The Start menu should appear. Select "Properties" by right-clicking on it.
  3. Select the taskbar and confirm that the auto-hide feature is not selected. If it is, you need to de-select it.

Windows Defender

If you're trying to run an application and it refuses to load, there may be a problem with it. If you enlist the help of the Windows Defender it will help you locate and repair the affected application. Follow these steps:

  1. Locate the Windows Defender in "All Programs" within your Start menu. If you don't have Windows Defender it is easy to download from the Microsoft website.
  2. Select "Windows Defender" and then choose "Tools" and "Software Explorer."
  3. Open up the "Category List" and double-click on "Startup Programs."
  4. Within the "Name" section, choose "Support Program" and then hit "Disable."
  5. When this is complete, restart your computer and the taskbar should reappear.
  6. If the taskbar has not resurfaced then you will need to re-do the steps above but for a different application. You may have to do this a few times.
  7. Once you locate the correct application, you will need to uninstall it and then reinstall it.

Login as Different User

If you attempt to login to your system under a different username and the taskbar error disappears then you are going to have to login again as the administrator. Once you are in the system, create another user and adjust the computer's settings, under this new user, to the original arrangement. To do this:

  1. Start the computer in "Safe Mode" and then click on "Administrator." If the Administrator requires a password you will be asked to type it in. If you never set one up, just hit "Enter."
  2. Go to "My Computer."
  3. To view the "Computer Management List" hit "Manage."
  4. Press "Local Users and Groups" to expand the list and then right-click on "Users." Choose a "New User" and then create a new username and enter a new password.
  5. Transfer the computer's original settings over to the new user. You can do this by logging out and then hitting "Control", "Alt" and "Delete" at the same time. Press CTRL, ALT DLT twice.
  6. When the computer prompts you to log in, do so as the administrator.
  7. You will need to right-click on the Start menu and then select "Explore" from the list provided.
  8. In the list of files provided, navigate to the "Old User Account" within "Documents and Settings."
  9. Double-lick on "Documents", select "Edit", choose "Select All" and then hit "Copy."
  10. In "Documents and Settings" choose "New User Account" and hit "New User's Documents." Select "Edit" and then "Paste."
  11. It will ask you to "confirm all" and you should select "Yes."
  12. Shutdown your computer and restart.
 

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.