Windows 7: Program list empty after malware, how to restore?

mimimi · 12 Aug 2011

Hello, my superhandy program list is empty after a malware attack on my pc. The malware is gone. But left my program list from the Start button empty afterwards. It has folders in it, but gives (empty) when i click on them instead of the shortcuts to programs. Even my calculator is gone!

Luckily all programs are still there on my harddisk. So only the program list got hurt.

Is there a way to restore this list? Or do I have to do this manually?

I actually don't know where my calculator is located

..

speedgamer01 · 12 Aug 2011

My best guess is that the installed software list is stored somehow in the registry (which is an esential piece of every windows determining all of the settings and functions)

If the virus damaged the registry, there is only one possibility to restore it.
System restore, Type this into Start menu then hit enter. A windows will come up and tell u if you have any restore points from the past.

Goooooooood luck

SG

Brink · 12 Aug 2011

Hello Mimimi,

The tutorial below can help you to restore the default Start Menu shortcuts, but you'll have to manually recreate the shortcuts for any installed program though.

Start Menu All Programs in Windows 7 - Restore Default Shortcuts

Hope this helps,
Shawn

mimimi · 13 Aug 2011

Hello, I did the system restore and it worked for me. My program list is back yay!
Thank you!!

Brink · 13 Aug 2011

That's great news Mimimi. Be sure to scan your system again just to be extra safe though.

Windows 7: Program list empty after malware, how to restore?

Program list empty after malware, how to restore? problems?