Missing taskbar in Vista

[Artville]

For the second time recently, on restarting my laptop running Vista, after shutting down an earlier session, my opening screen showed only the background, no start button or taskbar. I fixed the problem on the first occasion, but cannot remember how.

Somewhere I read that pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del cured the problem, but it doesn't work for me.

Can someone, please, suggest a fix?

 

[richc46]

Welcome

Try this it will work but you have corruption.
When fixed try an SFC

Press ALT Cntrl Del at the same time
click file and then new task run then
type in explorer.exe

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/66978-system-files-sfc-command.html

 

[Jacee]

You might also try running Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (full scan)
|MG| Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.50.1 Download

 

[Artville]

Sorry Rich if this sounds dumb, but where do I find "File" (to be clicked with Ctrl-Alt-Del).

And, Jacee, with a blank screen, how can I activate Malwarebytes?

 

[richc46]

OK one step at at time

After you get task manager, there is a tab on top file

She means you do it after your fixed, to make sure you have no bad stuff in there and do not get the problem again.

 

[Artville]

After a few stumbling starts, Rich and Jacee, I finally got my taskbar back by following your suggestions.

Thank goodness for fellas lke you; where would we non-techies be without you!

 

[richc46]

Great now 3 people will have a Happy New Year
Both Jacee and myself are really happy when we can help
Happy New Year my friend.