The Windows taskbar is missing after you remove Windows XP Service Pack 2 from a Windows XP-based computer (915165)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows registry

SYMPTOMS

After you remove Windows XP Service Pack 2 from a Windows XP-based computer, the Windows taskbar is missing.

CAUSE

This issue occurs when the following registry subkey is not modified correctly:

HKLM\System\Currentcontrolset\Services\Rpcss

RESOLUTION

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
  1. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL, and then click Task Manager.
  2. In Task Manager, click File, click New Task (Run).
  3. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
  4. In Registry Editor, locate and then click the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs

  5. In the right pane, right-click ObjectName, and then click Modify.
  6. In the Value data box, type LocalSystem, and then click OK.

    Note You must type "LocalSystem" exactly as it appears in this step. If you do not type this term correctly, Windows Explorer (Explorer.exe) does not run, the Windows icons are unavailable after the computer restarts, and the Start button is unavailable after the computer restarts.
  7. Restart your computer

REFERENCES

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

875350 How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 2 from your computer

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:3/14/2006
Keywords:kbfix kbtshoot kbuninstall kbprb KB915165 kbAudGeneralUser
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