UPDATE: Article re-published because many Windows 7 users are facing this problem, mostly while enabling Quick Launch toolbar and it disappears after a reboot.
Some of Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 users are facing a weird issue now-a-days. When they log off or restart their Windows 7 computers, Taskbar resets to default settings and forgets all their customized settings.
According to Microsoft KB979155 article, it happens because of a race condition between Windows Explorer and Taskhost.exe.
This issue only occurs when "Automatically Log On" feature is enabled. Some people enable this feature to automatic log on to their systems without the need of entering password at login time.
If you are also facing this issue, you can ask Microsoft Support for a hotfix. Its not available for all users, so you'll need to ask them for it.
Or you can follow these simple steps to disable "Automatically Log On" feature which will also fix this issue:
Method 1: Using "User Accounts" Applet
1. Type control userpasswords2 or netplwiz in RUN or Startmenu Searchbox and press Enter. It'll open "User Accounts" window.
2. Now enable "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer." option.
3. Click on Apply button and it'll fix your problem.
Method 2: Using "Registry Editor"
1. Type regedit in RUN or Startmenu Searchbox and press Enter. It'll open "Registry Editor".
2. Now go to following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
3. In right-side pane, change value of AutoAdminLogon to 0 or simply delete it.
4. That's it. Restart your system and it'll fix the problem.
PS: If you are not familiar with Registry editing and want a ready-made script to do the task automatically, download following zip file, extract it and run extracted REG file. It'll fix the problem for you:
This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows 7.
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cclloyd9785
That happened to me the other day, but I didnt have it enabled. I was scared so I unplugged so it wouldnt save any of my settings.
it said it was logging on with a temp profile.
Mike2977
By "fix the problem," does that mean that from that point forward, no matter which of the fixes one chooses, one will have to enter a Login name and password in order to save their task bar settings? If so UNACCEPTIBLE! Especially for a one person machine that is not accessed by anyone and has no security or privacy issues.
VG
^^ If you download and install the Hotfix provided by Microsoft, you'll be able to fix the problem and you'll not have to enter username and password at login screen.
RsrMusic
I have the same problem with windows 7..
i'm @ Skool but when i get @ home i will download it.
Thanks hope it works.
RsrMusic
Sorry for the dubblpost..
Reporting from home base
My windows 7 still doesn't work well.
I ain't an administrator on some kind of way ?
and can't install or uninstall any programs..
any help ?
~Thanks
Me