Start Menu, Quick Launch, Toolbars not working properly

Running Windows XP. Quick Launch buttons and Start Menu items will only open with right click and "open". Toolbar items not showing up on startup - I have to manually right click and open the QL and Desktop toolbars that I use.

Also, possibly related, when I save an item to my desktop I often have to right click and "refresh" for it to show up. Not always, but often.

I have checked your "Read & Run Me First" and followed those guidelines, downloaded the malware and ran those as specified and was told (via the Malware forum) that it is not a malware issue.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

--Tomara

 

Greetings, Tomara...

We need some more info from you: what's the make and model # of your machine (please include any Service Tag #s)?

***For reference: you are running Windows XP Service Pack #3.

Also, please download and run Speccy, a free system information tool.

When the scan completes select 'File', 'Save as Text file', name the report, and save to an easily found location such as your Desktop.

Be advised: the report will display your IP Address and Windows Product Key. You may delete this information if you so wish.

Then attach that file to your next post.

*********************

Couple of quickies:

1. Try booting your machine into Safe Mode or Safe Mode w/Networking: does your machine display the same symptoms?

2. Try logging into a different account: does your machine display the same symptoms? If you do not have another account, then try to create one (preferably one with Admin privileges) and try to duplicate the symptoms.

 

Checked both user accounts and still not working.

Tried Safe Mode for both user accounts and still not working.

I checked the "kellys-korner" link and I didn't see any (free) links that would solve the issue I'm having. I did download the "Can't Create Toolbar Error Message" but have not yet run it.

I attached the Speccy log.

Make and Model of my machine is: hodge podge of parts. Not sure if the Speccy log will give you any specifics on makes of the drives, cd, etc. If you need something more specific I can look it up but I don't know any off the top of my head.

Again, any help is greatly appreciated!

--Tomara

 

I saw the link and even downloaded it but the description didn't describe any fixes for my problem. My QL and toolbars disappears on startup and I have to right click/open to open any QL or Start Menu items.

--Tomara

 

Strange problem.

To clarify: does the taskbar disappear, or do the icons within the taskbar disappear? And, do you have any type of tweaking program (such as TweakUI) installed?

Also: is there any way that you can provide a screenshot (preferably before and after screenshots) that might illustrate the symptoms?

 

The taskbar itself is still visible on startup (as well as the Start menu tab, clock and right side running items). I normally have the Quick Launch toolbar and the Desktop toolbar open. Both of those items do not show up on startup.

When I put them back on the taskbar I can only open them with right click/open. Same with the Start Menu items.

I do have TweakUI and have tweaked several things. I did that months ago and the toolbars have all been working properly until recently. I don't recall downloading or installing anything that may have caused the problem.

A screenshot would just show the QL and Desktop "tabs" (before) not showing and then (after) showing.

I'm gonna blame it on my kids... :-D

--Tomara

 

That certainly clears up my understanding of your symptoms - thank you. Understood about the screenshots.

Ya, the TweakUI prolly ain't it, then - was just a shot in the dark.

Another shot - you don't have another mouse handy, do you? If so, a weird thought would be to try that to see if this is a left-button anomaly.

I'll do some more research, see if I can come up with something. Be patient - someone else might jump into this thread with some more/better ideas...

Always a good thing...

 

I could probably try my hubby's mouse. It's the same type and brand. Both are wireless. Not sure if we own a cordless one anymore.

--Tomara

 

That is what my file shows, also.

Mouse buttons are correct. I even switched them to check (then switched back).

I'm on the verge of starting over... Do you have any experience with Windows 7 or 8?

--Tomara

 

I was going to mention, too, that I added a button to the Quick Launch (still have to right click/open). When I restarted the computer and re-opened the QL the button I added was there. Don't know if that makes any difference or not.

--Tomara

 

I do have XP. Just thought about upgrading to Win8.

I will try another mouse tomorrow. Don't think that will fix the problem of things not showing up on startup. But, I'll try anyway.

--Tomara