Windows XP help - Non-existant task manager!

-----Original Message-----
My task manager is not there. it does not work when left
clicking on the task bar, nor does it start with the
keyboard shortcut. When I try to access it from a Help
link, it tells me this:

This program could not start.
The operating system could not start this program. This
may happen if:

Your computer is on a network.
You need to install the necessary hardware.
You need to install the necessary software.
You need to re-install the program file.
You are running Windows XP 64-Bit Edition.
You need to access an Active Directory snap-in.

Being a not-so-experienced computer user, i don't know
what to do. I tried the option for installing necessary
software, and that told me to browse the cd, read the
readme, and install the icon, but the readme doesn't
tell
me which icon is which! So I have no clue what to do,
and
no way of managing my tasks.

I would call technical support, but this computer was
bought at a show and I can't find the vendor's phoen
number on the list.

Please, if you know any possible solutions to this
problem, let me know. I appreciate it.
.Try holding down Ctrl & Alt thed hit delete This I find
brings up task manager in xp home edition.