I´m not sure why, but just above the start button i only have a logoff button, and not the other button that takes me straight to the menu where i can choose if i want to restart or shutdown. This is annoying because now i have to logoff and only them shutdown. Can anyone tell me how to make the old button appear again? Tks

easiest way is to just download tweak XP, there is a feature in it that allows you to disable/enable various buttons on the start menu

http://www.tweakingtoolbox.com

http://www.3lab.fsnet.co.uk/xptweak.JPG

i was hoping to do this without installing any software because i am asking in behaf of a friend, and im not sure he can install it. any thoughts anyone?

The only other way I know of is to edit the registry. However if your friend isn't allowed to install programs, I'm sure that they won't be allowed to edit the registry either.

am i being daft or isnt the easy way to click the start button then right click the blue bar. click properties then start menu and customise then advanced and then u can check the item u want to appear..

Crafty, sounds more like you are thinking of the contents of the program folder.

There does exist a check box for the log off option near where you are talking but not for shutdown.

opps sorry just read it again and see what you mean..sorry my mistake...

Again your friend would need administrator priviliges for this one but it could be an option that you simply enable/disable (can't say for sure of course that this was how it was disabled - I haven't played about with this option myself)

run gpedit.msc
it's a snapin in the windows\system32 folder

Then goto

User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Start Menu and Taskbar

and near the bottom is a "Remove and disable the Turn Off Computer Button" or near the top ""Remove and prevent acess to the Shut Down command"

One of these might work...

Worked like a charm. thanks orcus

Excellent, glad to have said something useful :-)