My problem is that the common tasks pane (that bar on the left habd side of an xp explorer window) fails to appear. I have checked both the settings under 'Tools->Folder Options->General->Show common tasks in folders' and 'System Properties->Advanced->Performance Settings->Use common tasks in folders.' Both are set correctly and still no common tasks pane! Am I missing a DLL or something? Please help...

Hi NDF,
Not sure what you mean by the common tasks bar on the left hand side?
I personally have my menu bar and toolbar at the top and the quick launch bar at the bottom.
I don't have anything on the LHS. It would just reduce screen space.
What happens if you are in Explorer and you click "History" or "Favourites" in the top toolbar?
Regards.

Hey - the common task bar is the bar on the left hand side of this picture. Check this link to see it. The common task bar is the one with 'system tasks,' 'other places' etc.

Are you using the Classic start menu? Right click start > Properties

The Classic start menu also removes common tasks from folders.

No - im not using the classic start menu. its SOOOOOOOOO annoying. I think it may be to do with a dodgy registry entry or something....

Is this a new problem? Were things working OK previously? Any new hardware or software?

If this is a new problem try a System Restore to a point prior to the problem:

start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

Hi NDF,
Thanks for the pic, sorry about the confusion, I thought you were talking about the explorer window on-line for some reason.
As Jephree says it's the Classic Menu that stops you seeing these.

See attached screenshot.
If you change it don't gorget to click "Apply"
Just a thought!
Regards.

jephree - tried system restore and no joy unfortunatly. It just wont appear!!!

Ford prefect - thanks for the pic but i already have the settings configured to the way you have them in your screenshot and it still wont appear.

Do you think my windows installiation is screwed up? if i reinstalled it over my current copy, do you think that would fix it?

just a quick afterthought..... is there any way to restore my registry to a kind of 'windows default?' i think it could be a reg problem.

Jephree - i should have said in my last post: this is a new problem that occurred only after installed a usb wireless keyboard and mouse. After i installed them, windows wouldnt boot at all! I reinstalled windows and the problem started then. I did try uninstalling them but that didnt work either.

NDFROSE, you asked me if i could help, but i would have suggested everything the more experienced people have said. I cant really add anything. Is the common task bar really important to you? why? most things can be accesed with a right mouse click or the menu at the top anyway. If it is important to you and nothing else has worked, ? i dont know

Sorry.

Chas