Taskbar in win98

The is an issue of user profiles.

Win98, by default, is configured to use a single, common user profile regardless off the actual number of users accessing the computer. This is ideal when only one user uses a computer. However, as you've foundout, this can lead to much gnashing of teeth, tearing out of hair, and screaming and shouting, when multiple users use the same computer.

The solution to your (and their) problems is to enable multiple profiles in Win98. This is a relatively painless process. Open Control Panel | Passwords applet. Check the button labeled "Users can customize . . ." Then check the boxes next to the User Profile Settings you want to enable. Profiles are tied to User log-on IDs.

If this computer is part of a domain-based network where each user has his (or her) user ID authenticated from a central server, you are done.

If this computer is either not connected to a network, or is connected to a peer-to-peer network (where each computer conducts its own user authentication), you have one more step. Open the Control Panel | Users applet. Follow the instructions provided by the wizard to create user accounts for each user.

The next time each user logs-on, a profile will be automatically created. Each user can then modify 'their' desktop to their hearts content without 'driving the other users nuts'. Once all users have profiles created, you will no longer need to worry about the breakout of open warfare.

Sorry, you don't need to edit the registry.

Good luck.

While the intensity of registry hacks and user profiles might be more challenging maybe a more simplified approach would be in order.

First suggestion might be to uncheck the "always on top" feature of the taskbar. Thus the primary application would take more precedence while retaining the ability to acces via the mouse movement.

Second thought would be to relocate the taskbar to one of the other edges, most likely the top since most application screens don't utilize this area to any great extent outside of maybe header labels.

Last, determine why this user's actions occur. Determine if it is just carelessness, thus a bit of training or coaching, or is there a mixing of tasks which might be better served by the addition of another workstation at this location.

If the simple doesn't apply then its on to
profiles. But then there are additonal logins etc etc etc.