strange occurrence with XP systray

strange occurrence with XP systray (resolved)

first of all - let me say Hi everyone and thanks for taking the time to view this post. I must say its an odd one, and im not sure how many of you will have come across it. The problem I have has multiple components to it, so here goes...
1. the startmenu search no longer wants to play, I have searched the registry and cannot find a reason for this.
2. Windows Update will not run from the start menu, again no hints in the registry.
3. the systray has completely disappeared, will not even show on boot up so my running programs are inaccessible from the system tray.
anyone out there got any ideas for a cure?

thanks in advance
reflex

 

Thanks ronjor - unfortunately nothing at this site cured my problem - i did however find a fix for the missing tray notification icons, in the shape of tweakui XP - at least i can access those now

 

Hey thanks ron - this file (http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/exefix.reg) seems to have fixed my problem - many thanks for the help