Resolving Task Manager Issues in Windows XP
Q. What is the Windows Task Manager and how do I use it?
The Windows Task Manager is an application that allows users to start or end processes and programs, and to monitor the performance of the computer. There are three ways to start the Task Manager:
Press CTRL+ALT+DEL Right click on the taskbar and select Task Manager Press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
Q. What problems am I likely to encounter with Task Manager?
Fortunately, most computer users do not experience many problems with the Task Manager function. The most common error message you will see regarding the Task Manager is one that warns you the administrator has disabled the function. It's possible the administrator has disabled it but this error message can also be caused by spyware or a virus amending the registry value.
Q. How can I resolve this?
This error is quite simple to fix but involves editing the registry, so if you're unsure about doing this it's best to ask a professional for help. Always make a backup of the registry before making any changes in case something goes wrong. Load up the registry editor by going to Start - Run and type regedit and click OK. Next, navigate to the following subkey:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Double click on the 'DisableTaskMgr' at the right hand side of the screen and change the value to '0.'
Q. How do I stop this error reoccurring?
As mentioned earlier, it's probable this error has occurred because of spyware or a virus infecting your system. It's likely other registry values have also been changed and you will probably experience more error messages when performing other tasks as well. Update and run your anti-spyware and anti-virus programs, performing full system scans and delete or quarantine any problems they locate. In order to prevent this happening in future it's important to carry out regular maintenance on your PC, such as Disk Cleanup, Disk Defrag, Checkdisk, spyware and anti-virus scans. Also, keep your computer updated with security patches as soon as they become available. You can set your PC to download and install these automatically. This will lessen the likelihood of a virus attacking your system. It's also essential to keep your registry clean and free from obsolete or corrupt data.
Q. How do I clean the registry?
The registry is a vital component of your computer. It holds important information on all settings and configurations for every piece of hardware or software installed on your PC. It also holds all settings and preferences for every person who uses the computer. These registry entries are constantly changing - new ones are added, old ones are deleted and some become corrupt or damaged - each time the computer is used. Adding or removing hardware or software means entries are amended and even general everyday use will affect registry values.
Sometimes old entries do not get removed as they should do when applications or hardware is uninstalled. Viruses or spyware can infect your computer and cause entries to become corrupt. This all means that the information held in the registry needs to be checked regularly to ensure all the necessary data is present and correct and old data is deleted.
If this isn't done, your PC will become sluggish, as it has to search through lots of obsolete data to find the information it needs to run a program, operate a piece of hardware or open an application. It can also mean you frequently experience error messages as the necessary data in the registry has become corrupt. Running a registry cleaner will ensure all data stored in the registry is up-to-date, old entries are removed and damaged entries are amended. Used regularly, it will keep your PC problem-free and running smoothly and efficiently without any errors or freezes.
