XP--Programs Missing from All Programs

Question

Hi, I was hit with the PC Stability and Analysis Report, which has created havoc on my Dell 5150 (running XP).  I have spent several days trying to clean up my pc, running Malware Anti-Malware, Super Anti-Spyware, Spybot Search and Destroy, GMER, DDS, RootKill, and Hijack This.  I even went into the regedit to manually remove any files associated with the virus.  After all of this, I ran unhide from bleepingcomputer.com.  I believe I have removed the virus and restored my files, however, I cannot seem to restore the programs to the Start>All Programs folder.  When I enter in the All Programs Folder, all my applications are listed but many of the folders are listed as empty.  I can open up Word documents by clicking individual .docx files, but I cannot find the icon to launch Microsoft Word and other programs.  Needless to say, this is making me a little crazy.  Any help would be great appreciated.  Once again, I truly appreciate any guidence as I am at a total loss about what to do next.  Thanks!

Bugbatter · Answer

Hi lil matty, You could also try 'Disable changers made to Start Menu' at line #31 (right side) here: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm but considering that you recently cleaned some malware using automated tools, most likely you have the same problem that this person did: http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/virus-spyware/f/3522/t/19382701.aspx

Annie70 · Answer

To restore your programs to the All Programs menu, try this:

Go to Start>> Run. Type in: regsvr32 /i shell32.dll [Enter] or click OK.

Restart Windows.

There are probably several ways to restore your programs. Try this and see if it solves the problem.

Virus & Spyware

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