Program Links Been Removed

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

Anybody out there help me out with this one please. About 2 weeks ago my
computer would occasionally run very slow, but with nothing showing in Task
Manager, inc CPU usage. Now most of the program links in the start menu have
been removed, and lots of desktop shortcuts, this is true for all 4 users of
the computer. The programs are still there and can be accessed via opening
the C drive. I run XP Home, Nod32, Defender Beta 2, Spybot S&D and Adaware,
all up to date. I've also run Housecall, nothing found.
Any ideas or do I need to reinstall!!
 
Start Menu 'All Programs' is empty or nothing happens when you click the
menu
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/AllPrograms.htm

May be related to the Desktop problem as well.

I.e. Users Desktop (%USERPROFILE%\Desktop) &
Common Desktop (%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Desktop)

Also...

When the Desktop Cleanup Wizard runs, it places unused shortcuts into a
folder on the desktop called Unused Desktop Shortcuts. However, if you want,
these shortcuts can be recovered from this folder.

Disable the Automatic Desktop Cleanup Feature
To stop the wizard from automatically running every 60 days:

Right-click a blank spot on the desktop, and then click Properties to open
the Display Properties dialog box.
Click the Desktop tab.
Click Customize desktop to open the Desktop Items dialog box.
Click to clear the Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days check box.
Click OK twice to close the dialog boxes.
-----

A Description of the Desktop Cleanup Wizard
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;293154

HOW TO: Use the Desktop Cleanup Wizard in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306542

HOW TO: Disable the Automatic Desktop Cleanup Feature in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;320154

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In
 
Thanks to both of you for a rapid reply, unfortunately my problem doesn't
seem to fit your scenarios, there are still some programs available on the
start/program button, just not many. The ones that are there still work. The
shortcuts removed from the desktop definitely weren't removed by the cleanup
wizard so I'm still at a loss, think I'll have to reformat and reload
everything, bummer!

Thanks anyway
 
Hi Rusty,

Before trying a reinstall, give the following a try:

Reset the Shell Folders paths to defaults:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/usershellfolders.htm

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]
Windows® XP Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


Thanks to both of you for a rapid reply, unfortunately my problem doesn't
seem to fit your scenarios, there are still some programs available on the
start/program button, just not many. The ones that are there still work. The
shortcuts removed from the desktop definitely weren't removed by the cleanup
wizard so I'm still at a loss, think I'll have to reformat and reload
everything, bummer!

Thanks anyway
 
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