Folder type question... Problem with start menu!

[croag]

I have a problem!! My windows XP seems to think that ANY folder created in the 'c:\Documents and Settings\MY_LOGON_NAME' folder is a "start menu type of folder". For example, when I create a new folder on my desktop, it has the icon of a start menu folder. Incase you were wondering this no merely an icon issue all the folders under 'c:\Documents and Settings\MY_LOGON_NAME' appear in my start menu in the area above "programs". This happens even after I change the icon for the folders under 'c:\Documents and Settings\MY_LOGON_NAME'...they ALL act as though they are start menu folders! Also, I've looked to see if there might be a shortcut to my profile in 'c:\Documents and Settings\MY_LOGON_NAME\Start Menu' and in 'c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu' and there is not!!
Does anyone have anyideas what is going on here? could this be a registry setting gone bad or maybe a virus?? Please get back to me!

Any help is greatly appreciated because I can't stand having everything that is in 'c:\Documents and Settings\MY_LOGON_NAME' residing above the "programs" entry in the start menu!!

Please note..there are no shortcuts that are causing this problem that I can see.!

Thanks again!

 

[bcastner]

You can change some of this behavior under Right-click, Start Menu, and some from your Active Desktop Settings, which you get to by right-clicking a blank area of your desktop, Properties, Appearance, Advanced.

An easier tool is Microsoft's free TWEAKUI available from their download site.

The best tool is the free XTEQ tweak tool,

http://www.xteq.com

 

[linney]

I assume that you have already checked the virus side of things with a virus program that is fully updated.



Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Explorer.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

If they don't work you could try repairing windows itself by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

A couple of Registry checking programs for you to try.

http://regvac.com/regvac.htm

http://www.jv16.org

Check your computer for spyware and adware.

Spybot

http://security.kolla.de/

Ad-aware

http://www.lavasoft.nu

 

[croag]

This problem is still unsolved. I have tried all of the above items except the in place upgrade. I believe this to be a registry problem. Does anyone agree? Anyone have a solution? Please help!

 

[bcastner]

croag,

Try this checklist and report what you found and what happened when you changed things:

1. Right-click a blank area of the Desktop, select Properties, Desktop, Customize Desktp, and uncheck My Documents. Apply

2. Start, right-click a blank area of the Start Menu, Properties, Start Menu, Customize, scroll down the Start Menu items sub-box until you get to the My Documents section. Click disable. Apply.

Now what does it look like?

 

[croag]

Bcastner,

Thanks for helping me with this problem. Let me fill you in on my results:

(1) - That check box for 'my document' is greyed out!!

(2) This option was already disabled!!

wow, Thanks for your help! I am very fed up with this OS!!

Thanks,

croag

 

[bcastner]

Let xteq X-tweak take a wack at it. I gave a link earlier.

 

[bcastner]

By the way, are you in a Domain network setting? It is possible that a Group Policy exists to deny you access to changing the Start Menu options.

Try looking yourself at the software controls in the Administrative Template portion of the group policy editor:

Start, Run, gpedit.msc