Hello, everyone, my Personal folder is missing form the start menu in Vista. I followed the instructions of this thread, but it is helpless, all the other shortcut were fine, still misses the Personal folder (like "Moderator2" in the screen-shot of that tutorial). And I checked my Start Menu properties, the option is checked as "Display as a link". I believe it's a registry problem, can anybody help me? Thanks.
Missing Personal folder in start menu in Vista, help!
- Thread starter Tonytang
- Start date
Lorien
Account Suspended
Hi Tonytang,
Welcome to Vista Forums!
Please don't be intimidated by the length of this post. Chances are good all of it won't be required and even if most of it is needed, the majority are relatively easy procedures with good instructions that may take some time, but it's much faster than posting back and forth one option at a time. Plus if you notice something along the way (I suggest the order presented, but if you want to go a bit out of order, that's perfectly fine), you can skip ahead to something more relevant. At any point where you discover something noteworthy or run into troubles or have questions, just post and we'll respond as soon as we can.
Do you have any other user accounts on the computer and does the same thing happen with them or is it only this one account? If you have no other accounts, go to Start / Control Panel / User Accounts and create another account (an Administrator account) and then reboot and login to the new account and see if the problem exists there. If it only occurs in that one account and other accounts are OK, that user account is probably corrupt and needs to be repaired. To fix this use http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows-vista/Fix-a-corrupted-user-profile.
If that doesn't work, try a clean boot http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135. If the problem goes away then it's just a matter of tracking down the culprit causing the problem. Follow the procedures in the article. Once found, delete, remove, deactivate, or uninstall it. Once done be sure to reset Vista back to normal status as explained in the procedures. If the problem occurs in clean mode then just restore the system to normal status and reboot - this solution is not going to work
.
Boot into Safe mode with networking and see if the problem occurs there. Either result helps us narrow down the search for the cause.
Do you know when this problem began? Try a System Restore to a point in time BEFORE the problem began. Here's the procedure: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html. Be sure to check the box to show more than 5 days of restore points. If the first attempt fails, then try an earlier point or two. NOTE: You will have to re-install any software and updates you installed between now and the restore point, but you can use Windows Update for the updates. Use the recovery disk if the system prompt doesn’t work. The recovery disk works a bit different from the above procedures but if you follow the prompts from the System Restore menu option with the above information you should be able to restore with no problems.
If the System Restore doesn't work, do a Startup Repair by booting to the genuine Windows Vista Installation Disk (or one you can borrow from ANYONE) or from a Recovery Disk with recovery options included on it. Here's the procedure: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/91467-startup-repair.html. To boot to the CD you may need to change the BIOS to make the CD-drive first in the boot sequence. To do that, wait for the screen that tells you the F key to push to access the boot menu or boot setup. Push it quickly. Make the changes, save your work, and exit. Put the CD in the drive and reboot. When prompted, push any key to boot from the CD.
If you don't have either disk, you can make a bootable Recovery Disk using http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/ along with burning software like: http://www.snapfiles.com/get/active-isoburner.html and, of course, a blank CD (perhaps made on a different computer or perhaps in safe mode with networking if that is working).
If that doesn't work, try to boot into safe mode (repeatedly click the F8 key while booting and go to safe mode with networking – or do so from the command prompt on the disk). Then let's check some of your system files:
Go to Start / All Programs / Accessories / Command prompt and right click on command prompt and click run as Administrator (you can skip this step if using the disk).
If using the disk, cd to C:\Windows\System32. Type sfc /scannow and enter and let it run. It will scan and try to fix some of your system files. Hopefully it will complete with no corruption it could not repair (if there is such corruption post back here or try to analyze it to find the problem file(s) using http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928228. Try to attach the report (you may need to copy it to your desktop before it will permit you to attach it) here so we can see if they can be repaired with good copies from the installation disk or other system files (unless there are too many).
While in Command Prompt, type chkdsk /f /r and enter and let it run. It will want to schedule itself to run at the next restart. Answer yes and then reboot to run the program. It will scan and try to fix any corruption or bad sectors on your hard drive and mostly remove that as a potential cause.
If that doesn't work, then please post information from the detail tab of any error messages from the Event Viewer concerning startup menu (Start / Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Event Viewer). Here's how to use Event Viewer: http://www.petri.co.il/vista-event-viewer.htm. Look in the System section.
You may be infected with malware. Try to run anti-malware programs (in safe mode with networking if necessary). To fix this problem (if it is a problem) download, install, and run the following two programs: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php and http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html. You may also want to try the new, free Microsoft Security Essentials http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Microsoft-Security-Essentials-Download-131683.html (with the caveat that only ONE AV program can be installed and running on your system at any one time). Use removal tools when appropriate http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2009/05/05/comprehensive-list-of-uninstallers-or-removal-tools-for-antivirus-software/. You may also want to try the free Avira at: http://www.free-av.com/ and Avast at: http://www.avast.com/index. Reboot after completing all the scans.
At this point, it's best we get an update on how things have gone, what worked and what didn't work, the results of all of the tests and procedures (including copies of results and requested files), and answers to any questions requested. If these steps didn't resolve the problem, then perhaps the information will at least help us identify it or focus in on what it might be. We can then decide how best to proceed from that point.
I hope this helps.
Good luck!
Welcome to Vista Forums!
Please don't be intimidated by the length of this post. Chances are good all of it won't be required and even if most of it is needed, the majority are relatively easy procedures with good instructions that may take some time, but it's much faster than posting back and forth one option at a time. Plus if you notice something along the way (I suggest the order presented, but if you want to go a bit out of order, that's perfectly fine), you can skip ahead to something more relevant. At any point where you discover something noteworthy or run into troubles or have questions, just post and we'll respond as soon as we can.
Do you have any other user accounts on the computer and does the same thing happen with them or is it only this one account? If you have no other accounts, go to Start / Control Panel / User Accounts and create another account (an Administrator account) and then reboot and login to the new account and see if the problem exists there. If it only occurs in that one account and other accounts are OK, that user account is probably corrupt and needs to be repaired. To fix this use http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows-vista/Fix-a-corrupted-user-profile.
If that doesn't work, try a clean boot http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135. If the problem goes away then it's just a matter of tracking down the culprit causing the problem. Follow the procedures in the article. Once found, delete, remove, deactivate, or uninstall it. Once done be sure to reset Vista back to normal status as explained in the procedures. If the problem occurs in clean mode then just restore the system to normal status and reboot - this solution is not going to work
.
Boot into Safe mode with networking and see if the problem occurs there. Either result helps us narrow down the search for the cause.
Do you know when this problem began? Try a System Restore to a point in time BEFORE the problem began. Here's the procedure: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html. Be sure to check the box to show more than 5 days of restore points. If the first attempt fails, then try an earlier point or two. NOTE: You will have to re-install any software and updates you installed between now and the restore point, but you can use Windows Update for the updates. Use the recovery disk if the system prompt doesn’t work. The recovery disk works a bit different from the above procedures but if you follow the prompts from the System Restore menu option with the above information you should be able to restore with no problems.
If the System Restore doesn't work, do a Startup Repair by booting to the genuine Windows Vista Installation Disk (or one you can borrow from ANYONE) or from a Recovery Disk with recovery options included on it. Here's the procedure: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/91467-startup-repair.html. To boot to the CD you may need to change the BIOS to make the CD-drive first in the boot sequence. To do that, wait for the screen that tells you the F key to push to access the boot menu or boot setup. Push it quickly. Make the changes, save your work, and exit. Put the CD in the drive and reboot. When prompted, push any key to boot from the CD.
If you don't have either disk, you can make a bootable Recovery Disk using http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/ along with burning software like: http://www.snapfiles.com/get/active-isoburner.html and, of course, a blank CD (perhaps made on a different computer or perhaps in safe mode with networking if that is working).
If that doesn't work, try to boot into safe mode (repeatedly click the F8 key while booting and go to safe mode with networking – or do so from the command prompt on the disk). Then let's check some of your system files:
Go to Start / All Programs / Accessories / Command prompt and right click on command prompt and click run as Administrator (you can skip this step if using the disk).
If using the disk, cd to C:\Windows\System32. Type sfc /scannow and enter and let it run. It will scan and try to fix some of your system files. Hopefully it will complete with no corruption it could not repair (if there is such corruption post back here or try to analyze it to find the problem file(s) using http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928228. Try to attach the report (you may need to copy it to your desktop before it will permit you to attach it) here so we can see if they can be repaired with good copies from the installation disk or other system files (unless there are too many).
While in Command Prompt, type chkdsk /f /r and enter and let it run. It will want to schedule itself to run at the next restart. Answer yes and then reboot to run the program. It will scan and try to fix any corruption or bad sectors on your hard drive and mostly remove that as a potential cause.
If that doesn't work, then please post information from the detail tab of any error messages from the Event Viewer concerning startup menu (Start / Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Event Viewer). Here's how to use Event Viewer: http://www.petri.co.il/vista-event-viewer.htm. Look in the System section.
You may be infected with malware. Try to run anti-malware programs (in safe mode with networking if necessary). To fix this problem (if it is a problem) download, install, and run the following two programs: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php and http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html. You may also want to try the new, free Microsoft Security Essentials http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Microsoft-Security-Essentials-Download-131683.html (with the caveat that only ONE AV program can be installed and running on your system at any one time). Use removal tools when appropriate http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2009/05/05/comprehensive-list-of-uninstallers-or-removal-tools-for-antivirus-software/. You may also want to try the free Avira at: http://www.free-av.com/ and Avast at: http://www.avast.com/index. Reboot after completing all the scans.
At this point, it's best we get an update on how things have gone, what worked and what didn't work, the results of all of the tests and procedures (including copies of results and requested files), and answers to any questions requested. If these steps didn't resolve the problem, then perhaps the information will at least help us identify it or focus in on what it might be. We can then decide how best to proceed from that point.
I hope this helps.
Good luck!
My Computer
System One
-
- Manufacturer/Model
- Dell Inc. MP061 Inspiron E1705
- CPU
- 2.00 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo 64 kilobyte primary memory
- Motherboard
- Board: Dell Inc. 0YD479 Bus Clock: 166 megahertz
- Memory
- 2046 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
- Graphics Card(s)
- ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM) [Di
- Sound Card
- SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Monitor(s) Displays
- Generic PnP Monitor (17.2"vis)
- Screen Resolution
- 1920 x 1200 pixels
- Hard Drives
- Hitachi HTS541616J9SA00 [Hard drive] (160.04 GB) -- drive 0, s/n SB2411SJGLLRMB, rev SB4OC74P, SMART Status: Healthy
- Case
- Chassis Serial Number: 5YK95C1
- Keyboard
- Standard PS/2 Keyboard
- Mouse
- Logitech HID-compliant Cordless Mouse
- Internet Speed
- 1958 Kbps download ; 754.8 Kbps upload
- Other Info
- Optiarc DVD+-RW AD-5540A ATA Device [CD-ROM drive]
Dell AIO Printer A940
Conexant HDA D110 MDC V.92 Modem
6TO4 Adapter
Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller
Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter
Microsoft ISATAP Adapter
Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
Router Linksys / WRT54G -01
Welcome
Although I agree with Lorien, possibly the best place to start would be with a system restore, if you have resotore points. The procedure is listed above, but you may want to start with that method if possible.
Although I agree with Lorien, possibly the best place to start would be with a system restore, if you have resotore points. The procedure is listed above, but you may want to start with that method if possible.
My Computer
System One
-
- Manufacturer/Model
- Dell XPS420
- Memory
- 6 gig
- Graphics Card(s)
- ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
- Sound Card
- Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
- Monitor(s) Displays
- Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
- Hard Drives
- 640 gb
- Cooling
- Fan
- Keyboard
- Dell USB
- Mouse
- Dell USB 4 button optical
- Other Info
- DSL provided by ATT
Many thanks for your very detailed information, Lorien, I created a new account then, but the problem still exists in the new account's start menu. And I also scanned my computer, no trojan were found. Unfortunately I disabled the system restore point long ago.
This problem happened just in this afternoon, I scanned my registry problems with two programs which were called "wise registry cleaner" and "RegistryBooster", (I did this because I got another 'media player parameter incorrect' error), mean while, I plugged in my mobile phone to transfer something, the task-bar then froze (probably because the system wanted to set up driver), and I couldn't activate the task-bar, so I decided to terminate the 'explorer.exe' process, but I couldn't restart 'explorer.exe' anymore, I tried many times, then I have to turn off the computer by force pressing the power button. The next time I restart my computer, the Personal folder was missing, and I still bear the 'media player parameter incorrect' error. Before I did this, the start-menu works fine, so I guess this might be caused by the registry, I guess there might be a key in the registry controls the Personal folder link in the start menu, another guess is my explorer.exe might be crashed.
Best regards.
This problem happened just in this afternoon, I scanned my registry problems with two programs which were called "wise registry cleaner" and "RegistryBooster", (I did this because I got another 'media player parameter incorrect' error), mean while, I plugged in my mobile phone to transfer something, the task-bar then froze (probably because the system wanted to set up driver), and I couldn't activate the task-bar, so I decided to terminate the 'explorer.exe' process, but I couldn't restart 'explorer.exe' anymore, I tried many times, then I have to turn off the computer by force pressing the power button. The next time I restart my computer, the Personal folder was missing, and I still bear the 'media player parameter incorrect' error. Before I did this, the start-menu works fine, so I guess this might be caused by the registry, I guess there might be a key in the registry controls the Personal folder link in the start menu, another guess is my explorer.exe might be crashed.
Best regards.