asked on

XP Home Start menu incomplete

Experts,

I'm looking at a PC at the moment which is having some troubles with the start menu. Originally, the start menu was only showing a few folders but, after MBAM & NOD32 scans (and infection removals), as well as a repair reinstall, the menu looks a little more normal. A little more normal, except for the fact that when I try to access particular folders in the start menu (e.g Microsoft Word), it shows as being "(empty)", even though I can happily access the program's executable via Windows Explorer and can fire up the PC that way.

Any ideas on getting the start menu back to normal (preferably not requiring full installation over existing Windows)?

CompProbSolv

There are usually two issues to deal with here. The first is that the folders (and files) may have been flagged as Hidden or System. Try enabling viewing of all files and see if they reappear. If so, then go back an flag them appropriately.

The other issue is that the items could have been (maliciously) moved elsewhere. They can usually be found in:
c:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\Local Settings\Temp\smtmp
The folder 1 has the Start Menu shortcuts
The folder 2 has the Quick Start shortcuts for the current user
The folder 4 has the Desktop for All Users

You can locate them there and move them back to the proper locations.

Servant-Leggie

ASKER

CompProbSolv, thanks for that. The first solution didn't work (the files/ folders were already marked as shown), but I can see the three folders which you are referring to. As I've never moved these before, where do they need to move to (reluctant to go moving program folders around for fear of breaking something).

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

CompProbSolv

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Servant-Leggie

ASKER

CompProbSolv, what a champ- it worked (automatic method)!

Embarrassingly, I have used this before but couldn't remember what I did. Worse still, I have the unhide program as one of the programs I keep with me at all times on my flash drive! I could blame Mondays for my absent-mindedness, but I think I'll take this one for the team!

Thanks for your prompt response & accurate instructions.

Points well deserved!