There is a registry edit to enable the Task Manager. The same step applies to Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER
Key: Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Name: DisableTaskMgr
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 1=Enablethis key, that is DISABLE TaskManager
Value: 0=Disablethis key, that is Don't Disable, Enable TaskManager
The TaskManager can also be enabled using Group Policy Editor (only available in XP Pro/Vista Pro and up and if you're logged in as administrator).
1. Click Start
2. Click Run
3. Enter gpedit.msc in the Open box and click OK
This fix needs the Windows XP™ Bootable CD
Boot to the XP CD. When it asks you if you want to install or Repair, choose Repair. This will take you to the Recovery console. Choose the XP install to log into, usually there's only 1, and enter the password when prompted. For Home, the default password is blank. At the C:\Windows prompt type the following commands:
FIXBOOT, answer Yes
CD \
ATTRIB -H NTLDR
ATTRIB -S NTLDR
ATTRIB -R NTLDR
ATTRIB -H NTDETECT.COM
ATTRIB -S NTDETEC.COM
ATTRIB -R NTDETECT.COM
COPY X:\I386\NTLDR C:\
COPY X:\I386\NTDETECT.COM C:\