Missing XP style Start menu option in the Taskbar properties

When you open the Task bar properties and switch to Start menu tab, the "Start menu" check box may not be available and you're forced to use the Classic Start menu. This is due to a policy setting, especially if your system is in a domain. Contact the network admin to relax this setting. For a standalone, try the following steps.

Using the Registry Editor

Open Registry Editor and navigate to:

[HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]

In the right-pane, set NoSimpleStartMenu to 0  [dword:00000000]

Logoff and login again for the changes to take effect.

Using the Group Policy Editor - Windows XP Professional

Click Start, Run and type GPEDIT.MSC

Double-click User Configuration | Administrative Templates

Click Start menu and Taskbar

Double-click Force classic Start Menu and set it to Not Configured