Windows 7: Shut down options disappeared?

Alright, I have a problem I'm not sure how this happened but when I tried to shut-down / restart my computer all the buttons were missing..

and in the start menu options where nothing is selectable

I tried searching over the web trying the
gpedit.msc and some registry hacks but still the same problem..
any ideas?
thanks (:

Hello.
Did you disable any windows services or features? If so try this: Start Menu All Programs in Windows 7 - Restore Default Shortcuts
Also, check the integrity of windows files: SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

None of that works, and I didn't disable or enable any features in windows.
but I do remember replacing the following windows files:
shell32.dll
ExplorerFrame.dll
basebrd.dll
authui.dll
any ideas? also when I try the sfc it doesn't complete for some unknown reason it says "windows resource protection could not perform the requested operation" so that doesn't seem to work.
thanks so far

did you try a system restore ?

scrooge

there's no restore points..

OK then. Try this:
Go to Start menu & type Run in the search field, then start it;
In the Run dialog box type gpedit.msc & confirm.
Find the following option:
User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Start Menu and Taskbar
Double click on "remove and prevent access to the Shut Down command"
Select any one of these options: "Not configured" or "Disabled"
Close the Group Policy window.

tried it and I only found "Remove and prevent access to shut down, restart,sleep,and Hibernate commands " not the one you listed and I tried it with these settings and it didn't work.

Try to run the SFC/SCANNOW in safe mode, as you say it didn't complete before.
I'd also suggest a thorough malware scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware & your resident AV to rule it out.

Here's another, better option to run an sfc /scan from PC boot, have a look at this tutorial linked below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

SFC /SCANNOW : Run in Command Prompt at Boot

Okay, don't worry about this problem anymore, I tried to use it using the repair CD, and it caused some problems so I just installed a new copy of windows.
thanks guys and sorry for wasting your time.
-yuji