Desktop Taskbar problem - MY BAD??!!

Hi all, I need some help with changing the properties on my Desktop Taskbar. When I right click taskbar, then properties, I get a message saying 'This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact your system administrator'. If I had an administrator, it'd probably be an easy fix, however it's just poorly me and I don't know what I've done. Can someone help me out please???

 

Do you try to fix it at safemode .

 

Yes, just tried restarting in safe mode but I still get the same message. Any other ideas??

 

Some more info would be nice. What version of windows are you using? 98, ME, NT4, 2000, xp? From the description, I'd say NT4, 2k, or xp.

Is this a computer at work?

 

Oh yeah - sorry. Windows XP Home, SP2. Private use HP Notebook. I only purchased it 'new' from Comet about 2 months ago, but I have tried to tweak it using a few different programmes so I am guessing I have a software conflict somewhere - but I have absolutely no idea where!!!

 

One quick thing to check:

Click, start, settings, control panel, user accounts. Is your username listed as a computer administrator?

Also, another place to check:

Start, run, regedit (enter).

Migrate to (from the left)

HK_Local_machine\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\policies\explorer

If you have NoSetTaskbar = 1 then you can't change the properties of the taskbar.

 

I get to 'policies' and the only options I have are 'NonEnum, Ratings and system' but no explorer

 

And yes I am listed as an administrator.

 

Update, I navigated through HKEY_CURRENT_USER through to explorer and found NoSetTaskBar = 1. Does that mean I'm buggered???

 

Okay, sorry, HK_Local_Machine would be for the entire machine, while Current_User would be your profile.

So, if that key is in there, just delete it by hilighting the key in question, and pressing delete.

Are there anything else listed within this area?

Once you have deleted the key, simply quit regedit, then reboot, and try accessing the taskbar properties.

 

Yay - that did it. Easy as that eh. There were about another 20 odd entries under explorer, but I only deleted the taskbar one and voila.

My next problem, when I restart or open Office products for the first time I get a 'Windows Installer Box, and the another saying Norton Antivirus does not support repair', any ideas??

 

What were the other items that were listed under explorer?

You may need to run the windows installer cleanup utility for your windows installer issues.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;290301