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No desktop icons. Start menu/Taskbar is visible, but NO icons on Start menu either! Help?

Anonymous
2011-11-15T22:09:44+00:00

My grandfather's PC has lost all of his desktop icons except Recycle Bin, and his Start/taskbar is visible, but his Start menu has no icons either. His wallpaper is also black. The only thing visible on the Start menu is the universal search bar so I have to search to find anything. I searched "internet explorer" AND "explorer" but neither showed an internet browser. I had to go through a folder & type in a URL to open Internet Explorer's browser. Any suggestions?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2011-11-16T13:37:59+00:00

Hi,

1. Since when are you facing this issue?

2. Do you recall any changes made to the computer prior to the issue?

Method 1: **** 

a) Right click the Desktop.

b) Select View click on Show Desktop Icon.

c) Make sure the option is checked.

Method 2:

Step 1: ****I would suggest you to start the computer in safe mode with networking and check if the issue persists, for more information refers to the link mentioned below:

Advanced startup options.http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Advanced-startup-options-including-safe-mode

If the issue does not occur in safemode with networking, you may configure the computer into clean boot and check if the issue persists. It will start Windows7 by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs and helps to eliminate software conflicts.

Step 2: How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows7?http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135 

Note: Refer step7 from the above link to set computer to start as usual after the troubleshooting is performed.

Method 3: ****You may run a complete PC virus scan to check if it is infected by viruses. Refer the following link to do the same:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials

Method 4: ****You may update the display adapter by visiting the manufacturer’s website and check if it fixes the issue. Refer to the following link to do the same:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isnt-working-properly

Hope this helps.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-11-22T02:08:24+00:00

    Hello Courtneylacey,

    This thread was created in the Performance and Maintenance forum; the Microsoft Moderation team has moved this thread to the Desktop and Personalization forum.

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