How Can I Regain Access to the Start Menu in Windows?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mugaliens
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around issues related to accessing the Start menu and taskbar in Windows, with participants sharing various troubleshooting methods and alternative operating system suggestions. The scope includes technical explanations, user experiences, and potential solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with Windows, stating that all windows appear maximized, preventing access to the Start menu and taskbar.
  • Another participant suggests permanently switching to Ubuntu Linux as a solution, although they acknowledge that some programs only run on Windows.
  • A participant recommends using Ctrl+Alt+Del to end the explorer.exe process and restart it as a potential fix for taskbar issues.
  • Some participants share experiences with Ubuntu, noting that it has its own problems, such as issues with startup and software compatibility.
  • There are mentions of specific troubleshooting steps, such as checking taskbar settings in the control panel and using keyboard shortcuts to toggle window states.
  • Participants discuss the complexities of installing and using software on Ubuntu, particularly regarding Firefox and Flash plugins.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best solution for the Start menu issue, with multiple competing views on troubleshooting methods and operating system preferences. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific software compatibility issues and troubleshooting steps that may depend on individual system configurations. There are also references to personal experiences with different operating systems, which may not generalize to all users.

Who May Find This Useful

Users experiencing similar issues with Windows taskbar access, those considering switching to Ubuntu, and individuals interested in troubleshooting operating system problems may find this discussion relevant.

mugaliens
Messages
197
Reaction score
1
Windows seems to have taken over all aspects of my computing. I HATE it. It SUCKS. If you have an any recommendations as to how I might reverse this crap, I'm all ears.

Specifically, all windows appear to be maximized, to the extent I cannot access the Start menu or any other bar.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org


Dump Winodws permanently and download Ubuntu Linux. You won't be sorry.
 


Uh... Help? Please? Anyone care to input with how I might restore my task bar?
 


phyzguy said:
Dump Winodws permanently and download Ubuntu Linux. You won't be sorry.

Thanks. Unfortunately, all too many $$$ programs I used to feed my gut will run only on Windows.

I'm just trying to figure out why the lower bar isn't responding.
 


Alt control del then end process called explorer.exe then close the taskmanager. Press alt crtrl delete then start a new process called explorer.exe.

Tell me if it worked. :-)
 
phyzguy said:
Dump Winodws permanently and download Ubuntu Linux. You won't be sorry.
Ubuntu has it own share of problems. After the last update my friends ubuntu doesn't startup anymore.

I have to install 2 different versions of ubuntu to get it show up on my monitor and for my wireless networks to show up.

The third time I installed it didn't respond to any firefox plugin linkage. That is, when I installed the plugin in ternimal and tried to link it with firefox it would put the file in the right place but firefox will not recognise it. It had nothing to do with firefox...all ubuntu.
 


╔(σ_σ)╝ said:
Ubuntu has it own share of problems. After the last update my friends ubuntu doesn't startup anymore.

I have to install 2 different versions of ubuntu to get it show up on my monitor and for my wireless networks to show up.

The third time I installed it didn't respond to any firefox plugin linkage. That is, when I installed the plugin in ternimal and tried to link it with firefox it would put the file in the right place but firefox will not recognise it. It had nothing to do with firefox...all ubuntu.

I've never had any problems with it - not major ones like that.

It sounds like your drivers weren't working.

The firefox thing, if you don't install it through firefox or tell firefox it's there it won't show up.

-------------

Mugs, if a restart doesn't solve the problem then Ctrl Alt Del won't. Are you sure you haven't removed the task bar?

Go into control panel and check under appearance. There should be a task bar setting in there that indicates if you've removed it.
 
jarednjames said:
I've never had any problems with it - not major ones like that.

It sounds like your drivers weren't working.

The firefox thing, if you don't install it through firefox or tell firefox it's there it won't show up.

-------------

Mugs, if a restart doesn't solve the problem then Ctrl Alt Del won't. Are you sure you haven't removed the task bar?

Go into control panel and check under appearance. There should be a task bar setting in there that indicates if you've removed it.
I know that firefox won't know it's there that's why I linked the file by some command I got of the flash website. I followed all the steps and it didn't work. I asked my friend who sucessfully installed his flash to help out but to no avail.

Also ending and restarting explorer.exe always fixes my startbar problems on vista. Sometimes my mimimized file would refuse to open up and when I restart explorer.exe everything comes back to normal.

But yeah, if a restart didn't fix it then something else is wrong.
 


╔(σ_σ)╝ said:
I know that firefox won't know it's there that's why I linked the file by some command I got of the flash website. I followed all the steps and it didn't work. I asked my friend who sucessfully installed his flash to help out but to no avail.

Flash is a tricky b*tch. I've found a group that repackage it and provide it for easy install via the terminal straight from them.

Took me ages to sort it out.
 
  • #10
jarednjames said:
Flash is a tricky b*tch. I've found a group that repackage it and provide it for easy install via the terminal straight from them.

Took me ages to sort it out.
XD Well thoes are the not so nice things about ubuntu and if you can't figure certain things out using ubuntu can be a nightmare.
 
  • #11


╔(σ_σ)╝ said:
XD Well thoes are the not so nice things about ubuntu and if you can't figure certain things out using ubuntu can be a nightmare.

I love it. I like the challenge.

Sorry mugs, totally hijacked this.

You still need help or is it sorted? Did you try to find the setting I mentioned?
 
  • #12


Alt+enter will also toggle between maximized and windowed and F11 will take some apps like IE fullscreen.
 

Similar threads

Involuntary "upgrade" Windows Mail app to Outlook
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
How can I reformat a USB thumb drive that is not recognized by my Windows 10 PC?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Interrupts, bus request operations
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
How can I reset my Windows 10 password without a password reset disk?
  • · Replies 73 ·
3
Replies
73
Views
8K
Are there any potential issues with the Windows Creator update?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
How Can I Script Windows for a New Server Installation?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
MCNP4C suppressing terminal/console window popping up?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
When I open a program the command prompt window opens only
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Why Can't My Windows XP Desktop Access Shared Folders on Ubuntu 10.04?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
How do I fix my laptop keyboard not typing certain letters?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
9K