Programs listing missing

Discussion in 'Windows XP General Discussion' started by olrob, Feb 3, 2014.

  1. olrob

    olrob

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2011
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    0
    Pressing START+ALL PROGRAMS in the past gave me a listing of all the programs (over 100) that are installed. There was like 60 names each in 6-8 columns

    Recently, in the past few weeks, that key sequence lists only 2 programs.
    Where does XP get the info to display?
    START + "User Explore" shows all of the programs under C:\Program Files.
     
    olrob, Feb 3, 2014
    #1
  2. olrob

    Elizabeth23

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2012
    Messages:
    5,844
    Likes Received:
    754
    Location:
    Florida
    http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/265077-45-programs-missing-windows-start-menu

    you could try here, but their solution only works, if you had not cleared temp files which you should have done already if this issue has been going on several weeks.

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/941248/en-us

    you might also apply this hotfix, which would have been fixed long ago with sp2, but your virus might have affected the problem. Also lists the keys where the shell is located.

    you might also insure that your pc is clean:

    what is your current antivirus?

    Download, install, update and do full scan with these free malware detection programs:

    Malwarebytes (MBAM): http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free
    SUPERAntiSpyware: (SAS): http://www.superantispyware.com/

    Remove all found, reboot, and run again until scans run clean, these can be removed afterwards if you so choose. Run scans one at a time, please.
     
    Elizabeth23, Feb 4, 2014
    #2
  3. olrob

    olrob

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2011
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks Eliz23, did all and the list of programs appears but now it's 4 columns (about 25 chars wide) listing 39 items and a 5th column that only shows the icon with no text.
    Years ago I had this problem and solved it but I can't remember what I did.
    The width of each column is determined by the size of the widest item. When I found an itme that was very wide I deleted some chars and more of the columns would show up. This case I can't see any wide program text, it's probably in the 5th col.
     
    olrob, Mar 13, 2014
    #3
  4. olrob

    Elizabeth23

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2012
    Messages:
    5,844
    Likes Received:
    754
    Location:
    Florida
    I haven't ever had more programs than what could be listed in a single column, however

    if you can place the cursor point over the line separating the column headings, until a plus sign with left and right arrows shows up then hold down left mouse button and move to the left, this will squeeze the first column over and then you can do it to the next column until you get to the column you want.
     
    Elizabeth23, Mar 13, 2014
    #4
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.