Program links disappeared

[windrider]

I installed some updates in WinXP. Now my programs are not listed in the
Program Menue. They are still on the C drive. To start a program I have to
click on the C drive, then open the Program folder and open the particular
program folder and select the start icon. System restore and a re -install of
the OS did not fix the problem. Any other ideas?

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

What updates did you install?

Were you running WinXP SP3 when you installed these updates? Are you
running WinXP SP3 now?

Did you do a Repair Install of Windows or a clean install?

What anti-virus application or security suite was installed before you
reinstalled Windows and was your subscription still current?

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed now and is your
subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?
What third-party firewall (if any)?

Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the
computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought
it and which would have been reinstalled, BUT INVALID, when you reinstalled
Windows)?

I've got more...