Windows XP Status Bar keeps disappearing

here's a tip from mvps.org that actually worked - and continues to work:

How to retain the Status Bar

If your status bar disappears when opening a new IE 6 browser window:

1. With (only one) IE open, click View, select: Status Bar
   
2. Right-click on IE's Toolbar and select: "Lock the Toolbar"
   
3. Hold down the Ctrl key and click the close button (upper right)
   
4. Open Windows Explorer, click View, select: Status Bar
   
5. Right-click on Explorer's Toolbar and select: "Lock the Toolbar"
   
6. Click Tools | Folder Options | View tab
   
7. Click the "Apply to all folders" button.
   
8. Hold down the Ctrl key and click the close button (upper right)
   
9. Open IE to any page, right-click on a link and select: "Open in New Window"
   
10. Verify that these Registry entries exist:
    

    
    HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMain
    
    "Show_StatusBar"="yes"
    
    "Show_URLinStatusBar"="yes"
    
    

    
    i needed only to complete steps 1 through 3 in order for my IE status bar to show
    every time. also, i checked the registry (even before i had performed the three
    steps, the registry entries were correct).
    

    
    hope this solves your problem.