Start Menu Missing Items
"All of a sudden, the Run and Search options are missing from the Windows XP Start Menu. What caused this, and how can I get them back?"
What caused it? Probably evil gnomes... or an errant cosmic ray. Here's one way to fix it:
- Right-click on the Start button
- Click on Properties
- Select the Start Menu tab
- Press the Customize button
- Select the Advanced tab
- Scroll down through the Start menu items list
- Check the box next to Search and/or Run
- Press OK twice
If that doesn't work because the item was already checked, then UNcheck it, press OK, go back in and then REcheck it. Some people report this works for them. If you still don't the menu item back, and you're on a Windows 2000 system, try this to get your Run button back:
- Use Windows Explorer to find gpedit.msc (probably c:\winnt\system32\gpedit.msc) then double click on it to launch the Group Policy Editor.
- Go to User configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Start Menu & Toolbar
- Double click on Remove Run from start menu
- Select Disable, then press OK
It might sound backwards, but there's a double negative there... You're disabling the removal of the the Run button.
Posted by Bob Rankin on September 26, 2006 03:15 AM
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Most recent comments on "Start Menu Missing Items"
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Also, this could be a sign of a virus. Try to go to your task list by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + ESC and see if you get a message that says THIS HAS BEEN RESTRICTED CONTACT ADMINISTRATOR. If it does, you got a virus. EDITOR'S NOTE: Maybe, but I'm sure there are MANY viruses that don't prevent you from viewing the task list. Better to scan for badware. See http://www.askbobrankin.com/should_i_buy_antispyware_or_antivirus_software.html |
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Sir, In my system "run" menu missing from start menu items. am using win2k operating system.Please give the solution as soon as possible. EDITOR'S NOTE: Did you try the proposed solution above? I recently updated the article with additional information. |
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thanks this article solved my problem. |
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I tried the above solution but when I open the Start menu items list... run and search are not there to check or uncheck. Solutions? EDITOR'S NOTE: Maybe a System Restore can help. Do you remember when they disappeared? |
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Wow, it is great. Your steps are short and clear. Thanks a lot. Now I can find my search button from the start menu already!! |
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I can't find Search and/or Run on the Start menu items list. What should I do? EDITOR'S NOTE: Read the article, and follow the instructions. Or did you already try that? |
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