Windows 7: programs in the start menu disappeared.

I'm having a pretty big problem at the moment, first thing happened is that a lot of programs' [such as skype, Itunes, Word, Excel...etc] icon has changed to window generic icons, the programs could be launched..only the icons disappeared. and I searched for solutions on Google..and tried several solutions but none of them worked and even made it worse...now the programs completely disappeared from the start menu and task bar..the folders still exist though but is all empty which means I can't even launch the programs now...what do I do!! HELP!!


the icons looked like this

after a series of trying...the icons were like this

now they're like this

and the programs in start menu are gone

You can rebuild the icon cache - but if the folders in program files are empty, that is more serious.

Do you have restore points from the time before that happened? If yes, we may be able to recover that stuff with a system restore.

This may be OS '12 virus related. Save all work as the program I am about to suggest automatically restarts the computer. Download and run the Fakerean removal tool

I've just tried to rebuild the icon cache...and it didn't work at all. but the programs in program files still exist.

i tried to run Fakerean removal tool, but the virus defender says it's a virus? and all this popped up..

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Pardon for being off- subject, but are you running any other antivirus besides Malwarebytes ?

Also, do you have any idea of how you contacted the possible virus ?

Thanks !

yes. I am running another antivirus software, and I have no idea where I could possibly get the virus.

Well that is good if you still have your program files. I see 2 options:

1. You could create another user account and make that the admin account.
2. Have a look at this: A story of Windows 7 and an empty All Programs (and how I fixed it) - Greg's Cool [Insert Clever Name] of the Day

What virus defender gave you that gibberish? Believe me, that is not a virus. Try running it in Safe Mode if whs's suggestions prove unfruitful.

that didn't work as well...and the problem im having is different to the Greg dude..i only have SOME programs [all the windows office ones, sharepoint, lync and skype etc..] disappeared..some other programs are still in the start menu but the icons are like this ...