Got a call from Tony M (one of our esteemeed contributors) describing that "his Windows Programs and Icons have disappeared!". Despite running a full scan using his current Anti-Virus application, his system still wouldn't recover its Start Menu programs or Desktop icons.
Disclaimer: The notes given here are provided "as-is" without any implied or offered warranty, support or guarantee. You should backup your system and data before executing any System Restore.
English Guy advised Tony M to execute a Windows System Restore. You can get additional information about System Restore from the Microsoft site. But how could Tony find that program without a working Start Menu. Normally you can find the System Restore program by navigating to:
Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore
Clicking his (green, bottom left) Windows Start button didn't display a list of programs. Drat; double-drat.
We therefore need to use a Windows Shortcut to show the Run program dialogue window and then either locate the application by browsing to it OR by typing its full location and filename.
1. Open the Windows Run dialogue box.
Press the Windows Start Key (Windows Symbol between Ctrl and Alt) and the Letter R at the time. This displays the Windows Run dialogue box. Next type the full location and filename for the System Restore Program - this is c:\WINDOWS\System32\Restore\RSTRUI.EXE. You could also click the Browse button, click My Computer, Local Drive C:, Windows, System32, Restore folder and then click on the program RSTUI.exe.
Click the OK button to launch the Windows System Restore program.
2. Windows System Restore Program
You will see the following System Restore application:
Click the Next button to continue.
3. Select a System Restore Date
System Restore automatically takes System Restore snapshots for your computer. You can do this manually; for example, after installing a new application or a after major Service Pack installation. Even if you have never executed a System Restore snapshot, Windows will automatically periodically take one for you. You need to find the last Restore Point that your machine was working normally. Find the latest Bold Date value when you think everything was working OK.
The example below shows today's date as 31st July and my last bold restore date as July 17. This is the Restore Point I will use for my computer.
Click the Next button to continue.
4. Ready? Confirm Restore Point
OK. Check that you really want to perform a System Restore. Windows will Restore your system settings back to this Restore Point. You shouldn't lose any data -- but there are never any guarantees.
Click the Next button to start the System Restore.
AT THIS POINT your Windows will Shutdown and start the System Restore -- this could take some time even 5 minutes. Microsoft Windows will then restart for you to login.
If your system still looks knackered, corrupted or broken, you may need to select an even earlier Bold System Restore Point.
5. Postscript
You know that "prevention is better than cure". Check that you have installed an AntiVirus program and Anti-Spyware program. We've got some suggestions here. You should also give your system a Windows Update from the Start > Programs > Microsoft/Windows Update prgram. You could also check with your Internet Service Provider that your Broadband Router is correctly configured and secured by an encrypted password.
Hope that helps you recover your Windows computer.
