Failure of Quick Launch- All shortcuts, start menu

[Star]

Hello to Group,
Maybe someone from this group will respond- this however has not been my
past experience.

My puter does not seem to be aware that there's a problem. I don't receive
any errors, and the Event Mgr. doesn't show errors w/the machine.

I suspected something wrong w/W-Explorer, however doesn't seem to be true.
I am able to launch applications, but I have to go directly to the
executable. I have found that System Restore will fix the problem, but
lasts only for a few days and I must do another restore. Originally, I
fixed the problem by a System Restore, I had created one on 10-15 after
doing backups, etc... The problem has resurfaced and again this *AM did a
restore, back only 3 days to the LAST Restore point* and the puter is okay
again!!

The puter apparently doesn't finish the bootup. Quick Launch does not
appear on Task bar, Start Button/Menu are *dead*, rt. click properties, *no
target listed, says, "invalid shortcut* and the icons are all system icons,
non-association.

Restarting will fix, however I have found that the puter works well in all
other respects, I can get my Internet access, go to C:\Programs\OE and
launch the program, all is well, no problems during use of applications.

I have done the same w/many other programs and I don't have problems even
though I have this terrible shortcut/launcher problem that Windows doesn't
appear to even see!! I have grown weary of restarting!!

I have used System Restore which will fix.
I have Run the SFC start\run sfc/scannow
I have re-installed/overinstalled the SP2 in hopes of fixing

If... someone can offer help to a solution, would be most appreciated.

Thank you,

Star

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE]

"Star" > wrote in message

> Hello to Group,
> Maybe someone from this group will respond- this however has not been
> my past experience.
>
> My puter does not seem to be aware that there's a problem. I don't
> receive any errors, and the Event Mgr. doesn't show errors w/the
> machine.
> I suspected something wrong w/W-Explorer, however doesn't seem to be
> true. I am able to launch applications, but I have to go directly to
> the executable. I have found that System Restore will fix the
> problem, but lasts only for a few days and I must do another restore.
> Originally, I fixed the problem by a System Restore, I had created
> one on 10-15 after doing backups, etc... The problem has resurfaced
> and again this *AM did a restore, back only 3 days to the LAST
> Restore point* and the puter is okay again!!
>
> The puter apparently doesn't finish the bootup. Quick Launch does not
> appear on Task bar, Start Button/Menu are *dead*, rt. click
> properties, *no target listed, says, "invalid shortcut* and the icons
> are all system icons, non-association.
>
> Restarting will fix, however I have found that the puter works well
> in all other respects, I can get my Internet access, go to
> C:\Programs\OE and launch the program, all is well, no problems
> during use of applications.
> I have done the same w/many other programs and I don't have problems
> even though I have this terrible shortcut/launcher problem that
> Windows doesn't appear to even see!! I have grown weary of
> restarting!!
> I have used System Restore which will fix.
> I have Run the SFC start\run sfc/scannow
> I have re-installed/overinstalled the SP2 in hopes of fixing
>
> If... someone can offer help to a solution, would be most appreciated.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Star

First eliminate any spyware.
What You Should Know About Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/devioussoftware.mspx

CAUTION!!!!! Removing some spyware can damage the Winsock stack and you may
not be able to connect to the Internet. Before you try to remove spyware,
download a copy of LSP-Fix - a free program to repair damaged Winsock 2
stacks AFTER you remove the software (all Windows versions)
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
Winsockfix for W95, W98, ME, NT, 2000, XP
http://www.tacktech.com/pub/winsockfix/WinsockFix.zip
Directions here: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=257
WinXP:
Get WinSockxpFix
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
How to Reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299357
In WinXP SP2: You can fix Winsock by going to Start | Run and typing
CMD
In the command window type
netsh winsock reset

See
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/tshoot.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE
Please respond in Newsgroup only. Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com./athome/security/protect/default.aspx
http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/

[Star]

Hello Frank,
I can say, "I'm *100% certain* that the machine has *no malware* s/w.

IE is locked down tight and is only used to go to 4 trusted sites on the
Internet.
SP-2, all criticals, including the (9) most recent update releases.
The machine is running Pc-cillin 2005 & Trend Mico Anti Spyware & are
updated daily.
Spyware Blaster
I also have Adaware-se and Spybot.
I have done extensive scans w/software installed and online at Trend Mico.
NO viruses or malware detected.
All of Microsofts malicious s/w tools run clean too.
The only cookies I allow on the machine is for W-UD, Trend Micro &
Dslextreme, my ISP.
This puter is invisible on the Internet, all ports, it's 100% stealth.

Since I'm more than *100% sure*, I'm *positive* that this machine is not
affected by malware or a virus,
can you offer me any other ideas on the problem I presented ??

Thank you kindly,

Star


"Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE" > wrote in message
...
> "Star" > wrote in message
>
>> Hello to Group,
>> Maybe someone from this group will respond- this however has not been
>> my past experience.
>>
>> My puter does not seem to be aware that there's a problem. I don't
>> receive any errors, and the Event Mgr. doesn't show errors w/the
>> machine.
>> I suspected something wrong w/W-Explorer, however doesn't seem to be
>> true. I am able to launch applications, but I have to go directly to
>> the executable. I have found that System Restore will fix the
>> problem, but lasts only for a few days and I must do another restore.
>> Originally, I fixed the problem by a System Restore, I had created
>> one on 10-15 after doing backups, etc... The problem has resurfaced
>> and again this *AM did a restore, back only 3 days to the LAST
>> Restore point* and the puter is okay again!!
>>
>> The puter apparently doesn't finish the bootup. Quick Launch does not
>> appear on Task bar, Start Button/Menu are *dead*, rt. click
>> properties, *no target listed, says, "invalid shortcut* and the icons
>> are all system icons, non-association.
>>
>> Restarting will fix, however I have found that the puter works well
>> in all other respects, I can get my Internet access, go to
>> C:\Programs\OE and launch the program, all is well, no problems
>> during use of applications.
>> I have done the same w/many other programs and I don't have problems
>> even though I have this terrible shortcut/launcher problem that
>> Windows doesn't appear to even see!! I have grown weary of
>> restarting!!
>> I have used System Restore which will fix.
>> I have Run the SFC start\run sfc/scannow
>> I have re-installed/overinstalled the SP2 in hopes of fixing
>>
>> If... someone can offer help to a solution, would be most appreciated.
>>
>> Thank you,
>>
>> Star
>
> First eliminate any spyware.
> What You Should Know About Spyware
> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/devioussoftware.mspx
>
> CAUTION!!!!! Removing some spyware can damage the Winsock stack and you
> may not be able to connect to the Internet. Before you try to remove
> spyware, download a copy of LSP-Fix - a free program to repair damaged
> Winsock 2 stacks AFTER you remove the software (all Windows versions)
> http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
> Winsockfix for W95, W98, ME, NT, 2000, XP
> http://www.tacktech.com/pub/winsockfix/WinsockFix.zip
> Directions here: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=257
> WinXP:
> Get WinSockxpFix
> http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
> How to Reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in Windows XP
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299357
> In WinXP SP2: You can fix Winsock by going to Start | Run and typing
> CMD
> In the command window type
> netsh winsock reset
>
> See
> Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites
> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
> Help with Hijackware
> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/tshoot.htm
> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
> http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com
>
> --
> Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE
> Please respond in Newsgroup only. Do not send email
> http://www.fjsmjs.com
> Protect your PC
> http://www.microsoft.com./athome/security/protect/default.aspx
> http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/
>
>

[Star]

I was able to fix my Quick Launch toolbar... using a downloadable toolbar
named *Taskbar Repair Tool Plus*; this tool will fix almost any Taskbar,
System Tray, Quick Launch Toolbar, will also fix and repair the Task Mgr.

This tool is available at
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm
created by Doug Knott, MVP, BRAVO!!!!

For some repairs a licensed version is required, costing $5.00.
This tool, my opinion... is a *MUST HAVE*, it gives the user full control
over features not even available in Tweak-UI Powertoy.

Star

"Star" > wrote in message
...
> Hello Frank,
> I can say, "I'm *100% certain* that the machine has *no malware* s/w.
>
> IE is locked down tight and is only used to go to 4 trusted sites on the
> Internet.
> SP-2, all criticals, including the (9) most recent update releases.
> The machine is running Pc-cillin 2005 & Trend Mico Anti Spyware & are
> updated daily.
> Spyware Blaster
> I also have Adaware-se and Spybot.
> I have done extensive scans w/software installed and online at Trend Mico.
> NO viruses or malware detected.
> All of Microsofts malicious s/w tools run clean too.
> The only cookies I allow on the machine is for W-UD, Trend Micro &
> Dslextreme, my ISP.
> This puter is invisible on the Internet, all ports, it's 100% stealth.
>
> Since I'm more than *100% sure*, I'm *positive* that this machine is not
> affected by malware or a virus,
> can you offer me any other ideas on the problem I presented ??
>
> Thank you kindly,
>
> Star
>
>
> "Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE" > wrote in message
> ...
>> "Star" > wrote in message
>>
>>> Hello to Group,
>>> Maybe someone from this group will respond- this however has not been
>>> my past experience.
>>>
>>> My puter does not seem to be aware that there's a problem. I don't
>>> receive any errors, and the Event Mgr. doesn't show errors w/the
>>> machine.
>>> I suspected something wrong w/W-Explorer, however doesn't seem to be
>>> true. I am able to launch applications, but I have to go directly to
>>> the executable. I have found that System Restore will fix the
>>> problem, but lasts only for a few days and I must do another restore.
>>> Originally, I fixed the problem by a System Restore, I had created
>>> one on 10-15 after doing backups, etc... The problem has resurfaced
>>> and again this *AM did a restore, back only 3 days to the LAST
>>> Restore point* and the puter is okay again!!
>>>
>>> The puter apparently doesn't finish the bootup. Quick Launch does not
>>> appear on Task bar, Start Button/Menu are *dead*, rt. click
>>> properties, *no target listed, says, "invalid shortcut* and the icons
>>> are all system icons, non-association.
>>>
>>> Restarting will fix, however I have found that the puter works well
>>> in all other respects, I can get my Internet access, go to
>>> C:\Programs\OE and launch the program, all is well, no problems
>>> during use of applications.
>>> I have done the same w/many other programs and I don't have problems
>>> even though I have this terrible shortcut/launcher problem that
>>> Windows doesn't appear to even see!! I have grown weary of
>>> restarting!!
>>> I have used System Restore which will fix.
>>> I have Run the SFC start\run sfc/scannow
>>> I have re-installed/overinstalled the SP2 in hopes of fixing
>>>
>>> If... someone can offer help to a solution, would be most appreciated.
>>>
>>> Thank you,
>>>
>>> Star
>>
>> First eliminate any spyware.
>> What You Should Know About Spyware
>> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/devioussoftware.mspx
>>
>> CAUTION!!!!! Removing some spyware can damage the Winsock stack and you
>> may not be able to connect to the Internet. Before you try to remove
>> spyware, download a copy of LSP-Fix - a free program to repair damaged
>> Winsock 2 stacks AFTER you remove the software (all Windows versions)
>> http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
>> Winsockfix for W95, W98, ME, NT, 2000, XP
>> http://www.tacktech.com/pub/winsockfix/WinsockFix.zip
>> Directions here: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=257
>> WinXP:
>> Get WinSockxpFix
>> http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
>> How to Reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in Windows XP
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299357
>> In WinXP SP2: You can fix Winsock by going to Start | Run and typing
>> CMD
>> In the command window type
>> netsh winsock reset
>>
>> See
>> Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites
>> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
>> Help with Hijackware
>> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
>> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
>> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
>> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
>> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
>> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/tshoot.htm
>> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
>> http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com
>>
>> --
>> Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE
>> Please respond in Newsgroup only. Do not send email
>> http://www.fjsmjs.com
>> Protect your PC
>> http://www.microsoft.com./athome/security/protect/default.aspx
>> http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/
>>
>>
>
>
>