Member Avatar for amit_4184

hi,
today morning when i start my computer i clicked on start button & clicked on all programs but from the all programs all the start programs has been suddenly disapear, & it is showing empty. I could not able to see accesories , & other installed programs. Other wise my system is working fine ,now to open any program i have to go thorough c:\program files & so on please give me some solution

Thank you

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Dani AI

Generated

Good catch by to try Safe Mode and well done for resolving it with a repair install. That outcome is useful: a repair install typically restores core Explorer binaries and the registry values that point Windows to the Start Menu folders, so the missing "All Programs" entries often come back without needing to reinstall apps (they remain in Program Files).

If the problem happens again, check these things first (helps avoid a full repair):

  • Verify the Start Menu folders exist and contain shortcuts:

    • C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs
    • C:\Documents and Settings\<your-username>\Start Menu\Programs
      Look for hidden/system attributes and confirm NTFS permissions for your account.

  • Test whether it is per-user: create a new user account and log in. If the new account shows a normal All Programs list, the original user profile/registry is the likely fault.

  • Run basic repairs:

    • sfc /scannow to check system files.
    • chkdsk c: /f to fix file-system errors.
      Run these from an elevated command prompt or the Recovery Console if necessary.

Quick manual fixes and cautions:

  • If All Users has the shortcuts but your profile does not, copy items from the All Users Programs folder into your user Programs folder.
  • If the Start Menu paths are wrong, check the registry keys:
    • HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
    • HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
      Export the registry before editing and be careful—incorrect edits can make things worse.
  • Scan for malware and try a System Restore point before doing a repair install when possible.

Note: a repair install is a valid fix because it refreshes system files and registry entries, but it may require reapplying service packs and updates afterward.

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Member Avatar for HoustonIT

Does the problem happen in safe mode?

Member Avatar for amit_4184

Does the problem happen in safe mode?

ya it was happening in safe mode also. then i repaired OS using windows xp cd without formating. & it works & also all the programs were functioning without installation.

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