ok, i have a good one for everyone. the options that come up when i right click the task bar (task manager, cascade windows, show desktop, etc) are all grayed out. i have tried to change the registry key hklm-software-microsoft-windows-current version-policies-disable task manager. i can change it as a local admin but one i take local admin away it changes back to value 1 with all options graed out. i have deleted the key and same thing. there are no group policies controlling that key and there are no viruses on the pc. does anyone have any suggestions? thanks, jason Thanks, Jason

Jason, See if you can follow the instructions at the link below or is the Toolbars option also grayed out? http://www.winxptutor.com/ttbarlock... Tufenuf

i really appreciate the quick response. i can try that, but the toolbar option is not grayed out, as well as the lock taskbar and properties. i should have been clearer before. basically the task manager, cascade windows, both tile windows and show the desktop are all grayed out. thanks, jason Thanks, Jason

Jason, You could also go to the link below and under "Taskbar" click on "Restore to XP Default * (clickable)" to download a vbs file fix. To use the VBS Files: Download .vbs file and save it to your hard drive (you may want to right click and use Save Target As). Double click the vbs file. You will be prompted when the script is done. NOTE: If your anti-virus software warns you of a "malicious" script, this is normal if you have "Script Safe" or similar technology enabled. These scripts are not malicious, but they do make changes to the System Registry. http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/tas... Tufenuf

i did try the tool, but again it did not work. i did find that the local group policy had been set to disable the turning off of task manager. it is usually set to not configured. i set it back to not configured and deleted the reg key. again still doesn't work. i`m beginning to think the registry is corrupted somehow. i do like the tool though...thanks. Thanks, Jason