Folders inside Start-All Programs are marked as empty

BleepingComputer.com: Folders inside Start-All Programs are marked as empty

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Folders inside Start-All Programs are marked as empty

#1 thulsebos

New Member

Group: Members
Posts: 1
Joined: 07-June 11

Posted 07 June 2011 - 08:25 AM

Hello. So glad you have this forum. I like many was infected by the Windows Recovery virus. I've completed the following:
1) Ran Malwarebytes program to remove the virus
2) Ran the unhide.exe program to unhide icons.

However, the folders in my Start-After are marked as "empty".

I've seen a topic on how to manually re-instate however, many folders listed do not have the link to the executable where I can right click and adjust the properties. It's like the virus hid those links.

I'm not super technical so I appreciate any help.

#2 quietman7

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Location:Virginia, USA

Posted 07 June 2011 - 08:41 PM

This is a manual fix for Vista/Windows 7 users:

1. Copy the entire content of this folder:
C:\Users\user_name\AppData\Local\Temp\smtmp\1
and paste it to this folder:
C:\Program Data\Start Menu

2. Copy the entire content of this folder:
C:\Users\user_name\AppData\Local\Temp\smtmp\2
and paste it to this folder:
C:\Users\user_name\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch

3. Copy the entire content of this folder:
C:\Users\user_name\AppData\Local\Temp\smtmp\3
and paste it to this folder:
C:\Users\user-name\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar

4. Copy the entire content of this folder:
C:\Users\user_name\AppData\Local\Temp\smtmp\4
and paste it to this folder:
C:\Program Data\Desktop

-- Note: The "Start Menu", "Quick Launch" and "Desktop" folders are system folders. In order to see them, you need to Reconfigure Windows to show hidden files, folders. In Windows Explorer go to Tools > Folder Options and click on the View tab. Under Advanced settings > Files and Folders > Hidden Files and Folders, uncheck "Hide Protected operating system Files (recommended)" and hit Apply > OK. In order to access the "Start Menu" folder, you may need to "take ownership" of that folder as shown here.

If the above does not work, then you can restore the defaults for the Start Menu and Administrative Tools as follows:

For any other missing program shortcuts you will probably need to reinstall the application or manually create new shortcuts.

Microsoft MVP - Consumer Security 2007-2012