Recurring Bug/Problem with my Laptop (T42)

[suzannetf]

Ok, so my computer is a T42.

This is nothing major, but I'm wondering if it's a sign of some bigger problem. It used to happen back before I had my hard drive reimaged and before that on my old hard drive (all on the same machine).

So, sometimes when I close my lid for standy, push the button for standy, or even run low on power and go into hibernation, my Start Menu is GONE when I log back in. To fix it I don't have to restart or anything: I just go to My Computer->Control Panel and use the Auto-Hide on then off to get it to reappear. There is probably an easier way, I'm sure... but the point of the question is why does it do that in the first place.

I apologize if this is actually an XP question? (I can't decide if it's a bug like that or something screwy with my computer). My college tech center (now graduated) puts the image on my hard drive, so I have Windows XP Professional. When I "log in" its on a Novell Network Services box (I never understood why we used that at all since I rarely actually logged my computer onto my online portfolio, but whatever)... not anything Windows related.

I do love this computer, though. I don't think any of the parts on it are original, though, except for my fan and actual laptop enclosure. Hooray for extended warranties.

[Kyocera]

Do you have "keep taskbar on top of other windows checked" along with "lock the taskbar" ?

I don't think any of the parts on it are original, though, except for my fan and actual laptop enclosure. Hooray for extended warranties

[suzannetf]

Yes. And it isn't collapsed out of view either. (I used to try hunting for it... it's like when you load and the desktop background shows... then the icons appear and then the start menu and then all the things on it near the clock load. Well, the Start menu never loads).

[Kyocera]

You could try doing some regular troubleshooting like AV and Spyware scan. If you have ever tried any third party themes for windows it may have wrecked your taskbar.

If it's been a long time since you have re installed your OS you might want to back everything up and consider a fresh install, saves a lot of time troubleshooting and fixing only to find something else breaks later on down the road.

[suzannetf]

Ok, I'll look into that. Thanks!

[Kyocera]

Another thing I was thinking you could try just to see what happens is to put things in "classic" start menu and see if the behaviour changes.