Lnk files in start menu are blank.

Have you scanned your PC for malware/viruses?


Check the "Target:" in the shortcut properties (right click on the shortcut and choose "Properties")

The "Target:" for "Default Programs" should be:

%windir%\system32\control.exe /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms

The "Target:" for "Windows Update" should be:

%windir%\system32\wuapp.exe startmenu

Chio said:

This is all it shows for both shortcuts.

I don't doubt it'll be mal-ware but I highly doubt since I was trying to fix some settings for my Windows Firewall and Defender so the game I was playing wouldn't have any problems. In the process, I disabled all services (at one point and re-enabled all) and I think that's when it caused all sorts of different problems.

Try this little .reg file to repair registry.

Download & Unzip the folder, inside the folder right click the .reg =>properties=>unblock=>exit.

Right click again on the .reg then "Merge".
If prompt command, accept. Log off - Log on or reboot to see if it has repair LNK shorcuts.

If you're also using Java update 7, could be good at least to clean the cache.

That is what you see when you right click on the "Start Menu" shortcut and select "Properties"?

This is what mine looks like.

Have you made sure that your machine is free of malware/viruses?

If you disabled your Firewall and then used the Internet to play games, something could have got in.
A lot of modern malware disables "Windows Update".

Once you have scanned your PC, try using the System File Checker.

Open the "Command Prompt" and execute:

sfc /scannow

Tutorial:
SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Chio said:

NoN said:

Chio said:

This is all it shows for both shortcuts.

I don't doubt it'll be mal-ware but I highly doubt since I was trying to fix some settings for my Windows Firewall and Defender so the game I was playing wouldn't have any problems. In the process, I disabled all services (at one point and re-enabled all) and I think that's when it caused all sorts of different problems.

Try this little .reg file to repair registry.

I've tried that before, didn't work unfortunately.

OOps! didn't saw the link.

What's about java cache. It had happen to me once and cleaning did the trick.

Do those programs still run from the "Control Panel"?

If so, make new shortcuts.