Where the hell did my taskbar icons go?

[gtrz]

I did a clean install of everything the last couple days
and thought I'd try this AV since it's free. Well, I run
my boot up check, it finds some problem with a system
file but continues. When it boots the rest of the way I
have no taskbar icons and no option of modifying or
correctin in taskbar settings. I immediately uninstalled
avast but the problem is still there. What the hell happened?

[Lisandro]

I did a clean install of everything the last couple days
and thought I'd try this AV since it's free. Well, I run
my boot up check, it finds some problem with a system
file but continues. When it boots the rest of the way I
have no taskbar icons and no option of modifying or
correctin in taskbar settings. I immediately uninstalled
avast but the problem is still there. What the hell happened?

Wellcome to forums...
Sorry for the inconvenience but it's not suppose to happen. What is your operational system?
Are you trying to install the last avast version (4.1.396)?
Some trouble that you described are related to earlyer versions of avast!

Do you have any other antivirus installed? Did you uninstall it before installing avast?  

[gtrz]

I don't have another antivirus installed, this is a clean
install of XP sp1 with all up to date patches and I just
downloaded avast off of cnet downloads so whatever
version they have right now. Just tell me, do I have to
do a stinkin' repair install of XP already? Just give me
my tray back!

[TheNut]

I'm sorry, I don't happen to have an immediate solution to your problem. However, for future reference, I have had many problems in the past Downloading Programs from places like CNET, rather than going directly to the source when possible.
It has happened to me in the past that Download Sites like that do in fact have outdated versions.
Since this is a clean install, I suppose a System restore is out of the question.
Unfortunately, a repair may be in order. (I would wait for other opinions though).
You might also try to use the System File Checker tool to check the integrity of the system files:
1. Click on Start
2. Click on Run
3. Type "cmd" (without the quotation marks)
4. Press Enter
5. Type "sfc /scannow" (without the quotation marks)
Note: There is a space between sfc and /
6. Press Enter
(It may ak you for your XP CD if required)


If you try avast again after this is sorted out, I suggest you use the link below:
http://www.avast.com/i_idt_1016.html

I also use XP (Pro) and have had no problems installing and running avast...You'll love it if this problem doesn't get you to down in the dumps.  
Good luck!  

[Lisandro]

Just tell me, do I have to do a stinkin' repair install of XP already? Just give me my tray back!

Calm down, maybe you can try:

1. Start Menu > Control Panel > Task Bar and Start Menu applet
    See if anything is changed in the task bar properties...

2. Did you see a line ('bold line') in the bottom of the wallpaper?

[gtrz]

Too late, I tried everything I could. I formatted and started over. First impressions make a lasting impression
and I'm not impressed with any software that does that
much damage right off the bat. Avast will never be installed on my puter again, I don't care what incarnation
it is!

[Tipton]

These types of situations can usually be traced back to user error. I have never seen an easier software install than that of Avast, especially on an anti-virus suite that does multiple things.

Douglas

[bob3160]

Douglas you got that one right but I guess some people have no patience. Guess that's why they don't become Doctors.

[neal62]

I am using WinMe. He was using Wins Xp.  I had a similiar experience with my taskbar icons disappearing also right after downloading Yahoo Instant Messenger program. I was and am using Wins Me and when I would download Yahoo onto my pc from the Yahoo download site, later my taskbar icons would disappear from view. You could take the mouse arrow however, run it from side to side where the icons were and they then would indicate they were there when the mouse was over the top of their position, but I couldn't see them.
    I never could resolve this problem except to uninstall Yahoo Instant Messenger and then that problem immediately stopped. I have another pc that has Wins 98 2nd Edition on it and when Yahoo Instant Messenger was downloaded to it the problem that I had on WinsMe did not occur on the 98 2nd pc.
So, no telling what could have been causing this problem to happen to this individual, but I doubt very seriously that it was caused by having Avast installed on the pc. If I would re-boot my pc usually the icons would appear visible again and then would disappear if and when my mouse was in close proximity to the icons.  

[gtrz]

I tried posting back earlier but I must not have hit post..
It does seem to be a different problem, my bad
I installed pretty much the same lot of programs with
the exception of avast yesterday again and much to my
surprise my tray vanished. Bear in mind this has NEVER
happened to me. I tried retracing my steps and it may
have something to do with folder /tweakui/ system(performance)/ or Windowblinds options. Whatever it
was I was able to bring them back within a few minutes
and it might have been an animation setting somewhere
or maybe some other setting in or combination in the aforementioned areas. Sorry I was the b1tch!

[bob3160]

gtrz,

Sorry I was the b1tch!

At least you had the courtesy to come back to this forum and admit that you jumped to a conclusion and appologized.
I give you a gread deal of credit for that. I know a lot of people would have just simply fogotten about it.

Welcome to the forums

[CharleyO]

Yep ... gtrz did the right thing and surely deserves credit for that!      

Welcome to the forum, gtrz!      

[Lisandro]

I will really post an angry expression here!      
I hate to loose time and the user is impatient.
If you won't install avast again, please, save my time.

Sorry, I seldom post angry posts but I cannot stand on this one