Programs keep closing on their own

[mickapoo]

Not sure if I was supposed to attach a Hijackthis log for this question or not.

It started this morning. I have not installed any new programs. When I have a program open, can be any program at all, Outlook, Firefox, etc.. the tab is not showing up in my taskbar (I think that is what it's called- in the footer where you see the tabs).

If I minimize the window, for example Firefox, the program closes. No error message. If I don't minimize it, but I start another program, i.e. Outlook, there are no tabs at the bottom, so the only way I can get to it is to try to minimize it and then the program is done.

I'm not sure what this is, and if someone can at least tell me how to get those tabs back at the bottom, I'd appreciate it. Right now without them there, I can't tell which are open and I can't see the tab disappear when the program shuts down.

Thank you!

[guestolo]

I assume your running XP?
Go to Kelly's-Korner
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Scroll down to line 240 on the left hand side

240.  Programs Aren't Minimized in the Taskbar

Save the file "xp_taskbar_desktop_fixall.vbs" to desktop

Double click on it to run, follow the prompts
If you have any script blocking installed, allow this to run
When done, a reboot may be required

See if that helps