windows xp "all programs" menu disappeared and run command doesnt work anymore?

Question

using windows xp home and all of the sudden, my programs menu disappeared and the run command doesn't work anymore.

any ideas? I've run a registry repair, virus check, and spyware check but it doesn't fix it. If i switch to "classic menus", the problem is fixed.

thx

ok, i liked the idea of regedit and deleting the policies entries but i did that and it didnt help, even after i rebooted. is there a different entry that i could try deleting?

Answer 1

Make sure that the path is correct. If the programs folder has moved, then the start menu is looking for the folder but not finding it. Usually, the Programs folders are right at the top of each drive/volume directory. That is, the path should be C:\programs. If the program folder has been moved or deleted, then it should be restored to the former location(s).

An incorrect path might also effect your run line. If your run line is not coming up at all, you need to reset it in your customize button of your start menu properties.

When you switch to classic mode, the computer may be automatically remapping the path.

Answer 2

first find regedit and run it
then delete "Policies" form these paths:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion

also check for Sysbackup.exe
Sysbackup.exe is a virus that many antiviruses don't clean it

Answer 3

Make a new user account, that fixes all.