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Hidden programs folders

Forum Applications : Security, Utilities, Anti-Malware Hidden programs folders

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I am trying to clean out someone's computer and need some help.
She has a Windows XP Pro 32bit computer.
She had a virus and I ran malwarebytes twice full scan, then combofix. Afterwards I used CCleaner to clean up the registry.
Everything looks fine and I can access any programs via windows explorer but when I click on "Start", "All Programs" every folder states "empty".
Example - Itunes - empty. Microsoft Office - Empty.

Could someone please help get these items back under programs?

Thanks.

Reply to mrfaces
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Run a utility called unhide & see if that takes care of it.
Please post back your results, as there is something else you can try if problem persists.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by ksiemb on 08-26-2011 at 09:29:13 PM
------------------------------ I don't need Google, my wife knows everything !

 

Reply to ksiemb

You just need to create new shortcuts.

Reply to PhilFrisbie

"Run a utility called unhide & see if that takes care of it."

Sorry forgot to mention I did try that and it didn't work.

"You just need to create new shortcuts."

I've never tried adding folders or programs to the start menu/programs. I'll try to figure it out when I get home. I am not by at a computer right now where I can try it.
Do I just go to C:\Documents and Settings\The user name for the computer\Start Menu\Programs and add it there?

Thanks.

Reply to mrfaces

mrfaces wrote :

I am trying to clean out someone's computer and need some help.
She has a Windows XP Pro 32bit computer.
She had a virus and I ran malwarebytes twice full scan, then combofix. Afterwards I used CCleaner to clean up the registry.
Everything looks fine and I can access any programs via windows explorer but when I click on "Start", "All Programs" every folder states "empty".
Example - Itunes - empty. Microsoft Office - Empty.

Could someone please help get these items back under programs?

Thanks.


If you cleaned out a virus, the folder contents may have been moved to another location by the infection.
If you have not deleted temp files in your cleaning process, see if you have this folder:
C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Temp\smtmp

------------------------------ I don't need Google, my wife knows everything !

 

Reply to ksiemb

mrfaces wrote :

"You just need to create new shortcuts."

I've never tried adding folders or programs to the start menu/programs. I'll try to figure it out when I get home. I am not by at a computer right now where I can try it.
Do I just go to C:\Documents and Settings\The user name for the computer\Start Menu\Programs and add it there?

Thanks.


Yes, you can do it there or simply right-click on the application and drag it onto the start menu! You will then want to make it 'nice' by renaming it, e.g. change 'Shortcut to word.exe" to "Microsoft Word" or simply "Word".

Reply to PhilFrisbie

Okay thanks.

I did that plus I found a neat little application (AccRestore.exe) to restore the accessories folder with all it's contents including system tools, communication, entertainment, ect.

Reply to mrfaces

ksiemb wrote :

Run a utility called unhide & see if that takes care of it.
Please post back your results, as there is something else you can try if problem persists.




Cool... Is there an inexpensive one you can recommend?

Reply to nikkiv
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