Help, please! Lost Taskbar, start menu and other functions

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

You need to find the name of the executable files you are trying to use
and then do the CTRL+aLT+DeL to get task manager. Once you have it
then go to file and run and navigate to your "program files" directory
and start thos programs. If they don't fix your problem then you break
out the xp cd and do a setup but work very slowly and read carefully
every dialogue. You want to get it to do a full repair of your system.
Once you get to the first screen select the fresh installation and
when it asks you to do a quick repair then select this. Again read
carefully the menu options because you can end up reinstqalling windows
fresh destroying all your data so work slowly. If that doesn't work
come back and post what you have done on the news group.

I guess it goes without saying also goes without saying that you should
call DELL if you can because they may either have better instructions
or you might not have a full XP CD but whatevewr system restore stuff
they ship on new systems.

johnt