first off, my screeensaver will not come on unless I set the time to activate at below ten. Also I have my task bar hidden, normally when something happens on the task bar it will automatically unhide and show me the program requiring attention. this also is not happening. Is there anyway to restore these functions. TIA

hp m1090n
xp media edition
1g ram.
250g hd

was everything ok before?

any problems with your Desktop? & or Start Menu?

new screensaver?

have you tried resetting the settings (other than what you want), rebooting, then resetting again (to what you want)?

have you tried a restore point?

is taskbar set to: keep taskbar in front of other windows?

also: check taskbar here:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_t.htm

also: some manual settings for screensaver here:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_s.htm#ss