Hidden programs folders

[mrfaces]

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.

 

[ksiemb]

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.

 

[PhilFrisbie]

You just need to create new shortcuts.

 

[mrfaces]

"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.

 

[ksiemb]

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

 

[PhilFrisbie]

"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".

 

[mrfaces]

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.

 

[nikkiv]

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?