Solved My "All Programs" folder has been emptied out!

Marty McFly

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This evening I switched on the computer to find the "All Programs" folder (on the Start Menu) totally empty except for two folders. Everything else is gone without any trace.

(I am talking about the folder located in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs)

Could this be the result of an uninstallation? Earlier today I uninstalled a backup program called "EaseUS Todo". Could an uninstallation mess with the Start Menu to such a degree?

This is a disaster for me because this is the place where I kept all my shortcuts to essential programs, files and folders, all neatly organized into folders so everything is quick and easy to access. This folder WAS my portal to all my files and programs.

I also wanted to ask people if I am doing something wrong by keeping all my links in this folder which is obviously vulnerable to being wiped? Where do other people keep all their program shortcuts? Is there a better way of doing this? Back in XP days I used a small Quick Launch bar which let me access all my programs from the task bar, but I don't think Windows 7 allows this does it?

For that matter, why has Microsoft never made an operating system with a proper place to have links to all your essential programs, files and folders? The main Start Menu can't be used this way as it only allows a small number of items and they can't be organized into folders.
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self built custom
OS
64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
CPU
Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
Motherboard
ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
Memory
64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
Sound Card
Integrated
Monitor(s) Displays
2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
PSU
Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
Case
Thermaltake Core P3
Cooling
Corsair Hydro H115i
Keyboard
Logitech wireless K800
Mouse
Logitech MX Master 4
Internet Speed
2 Gb/s Download and 100 Mb/s Upload
Antivirus
Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
Browser
Google Chrome
Other Info
Logitech Z625 speaker system,
Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Who hoo! :) Shawn to the rescue once again. God bless you my friend :)
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
You're most welcome. :)
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self built custom
OS
64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
CPU
Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
Motherboard
ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
Memory
64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
Sound Card
Integrated
Monitor(s) Displays
2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
PSU
Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
Case
Thermaltake Core P3
Cooling
Corsair Hydro H115i
Keyboard
Logitech wireless K800
Mouse
Logitech MX Master 4
Internet Speed
2 Gb/s Download and 100 Mb/s Upload
Antivirus
Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
Browser
Google Chrome
Other Info
Logitech Z625 speaker system,
Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
Galaxy S23 Plus phone
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