Task Manager Problem

Hello all, this is my problem:

I use windows XP home edition. My computer is a dell. The issue i am having is this: i cannot get the windows task manager to open no matter what i do. Ctrl+Alt+Del does absolutely nothing (it doesnt even bring up the logon/logoff menu). Right clicking on the task bar and then clicking 'task manager' brings up the task manager for a split second and then it goes away. The same is the case if i try to bring up the task manager through the help menu.

Also -- and i don't know if this is symptomatic of the same problem -- but typing 'msconfig' into the "run" dialogue doesnt do anything anymore. It used to, but not anymore. Wtf?

I know i have administrative privellages on my computer, and i'm really out of ideas.

 

Does anyone else use the PC that may have disabled the features?

The most likely cause is some sort of Spyware or virus, so you should try the steps outlined in the Spyware forum.

You also could check that a Group Policy hasn't been set.

Also, try this and see if it helps, go to Start, Run and copy and paste the following then clikc O.K

REG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

 

Just to add, THIS may help, but I strongly urge you to first follow all the recommendations in the Spyware Forum.