Solved Start menu - only "Classic" available

Hi all,

Awhile back my computer developed a serious problem - possibly due to a Windows update - it would hang on starting. I was able to get it to start again by rolling back a bit - but now I have a strange phenomenon - the start menu is stuck on "Classic". there is no second choice, the space where the radio button should be is blank. It's as if someone had deliberately shut it off. Everything else works fine.

I ran SFC, it indicated no problems. But anyway, I did an entire repair installation as per the tutorial here, hoping that it would reset the thing back to normal - the repair install appears to have been successful - but no dice on the start menu - it's as before...

I did a search on this phenomenon, I saw it mentioned a few times, but I did not see any solutions offered. Is there something that has been set in group policies or services that shuts this off? Something else that could cause this? I miss my start menu and if nothing else I'm going to have to wipe the whole install and start over - with Win 7 - but I would like to avoid that if possible as it means weeks of reinstalling and setting stuff up.

Thanks, --ch

specs: i7/940, Intel MoBo, 12GB, Nvidia GTX 280

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

Welcome
If not too much time has passed you can try a sytem restore which will work, if you go back far enough
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html
In lieu of that you can use this software to download and use an alternative and possibly better start menu
Vista Start Menu – Convenient alternative to Start menu
This will show you how to begin to use the classic menu, does the reverse procedure work for you or is it even availble?
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88812-start-menu-classic-view.html

Did you right click on the start button and select properties?

Did you try to make a new user account and see if the problem persists?
Did you try in safe mode and/or clean boot.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Unfortunatley, it sounds like a registry problem, which can be resolved by a system restore. If I find an easy safe way to restore the registry I will post.

For mow, I present this article with a warning; be careful, be very careful. A mistake while changing registry can result in serious problems. If you feel that you want to try, back up registry and make a system restore point and use extreme caution
http://www.aspfree.com/c/a/BrainDump/Controlling-the-Vista-Start-Menu/2/

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

If not too much time has passed you can try a sytem restore which will work

Click to expand...

I did try that at first, didn't help. Now it's too far back...

In lieu of that you can use this software to download and use an alternative and possibly better start menu

Click to expand...

That may be a workaround, but I would like to have the original if possible.

This will show you how to begin to use the classic menu, does the reverse procedure work for you or is it even availble?

Click to expand...

Nope. not available.

Did you right click on the start button and select properties?

Click to expand...

Yes. No start menu option available.

Did you try to make a new user account and see if the problem persists

Click to expand...

That may be a possibility - I'll have to consult with the IT staff to see if they can create a new user profile for me...

Did you try in safe mode and/or clean boot

Click to expand...

Yes. No help.

Unfortunatley, it sounds like a registry problem, which can be resolved by a system restore. If I find an easy safe way to restore the registry I will post

Click to expand...

OK, if there is a registry hack that can fix this that would be great, thanks...

--ch

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

The possible hack is in the link that I presented. Use with care, if you use at all.
http://www.aspfree.com/c/a/BrainDump/Controlling-the-Vista-Start-Menu/2/
Registry changes take effect immediately, no second chances.

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

You might want to try and repair your Vista: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html

Have you been using Registry Cleaners? This often happens with the indiscriminate use of them as they will eventually remove something important.

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

Expanding on the astute advice just given by Ex Brit, may I add that I agree with not using registry cleaners all the maintenance that is required is included in this post
Suggestions for Proper Maintenance - Windows 7 Forums

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

You might want to try and repair your Vista: Repair Install For Vista

Have you been using Registry Cleaners? This often happens with the indiscriminate use of them as they will eventually remove something important

Click to expand...

@ Ex_Brit Yes I did a repair install as per my first post. No, I do not use registry cleaners. --ch

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

That is strange. Hopefully someone will think of something I missed.

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

It does appear to be registry, possibly caused by a malfunction due to the upadate problem.

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

OK, thanks, I'll be away for a week or so, when I get back, I will try some of the registry hacks outlined in post #4 above. I'll let you know. --ch

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

Good luck.

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

Hi chmillman,

Go to Start, Search box and type gpedit.msc and enter and then double click on the program icon that appears.

Go to User Configuration / Administrative Templates / Start Menu and Taskbar and check to see if Force Classic Start Menu is checked. If not, just exit as this is not going to work as it is not the cause of the block. If so, uncheck it and save the changes. Reboot. Then see if you have the option to select the Vista Start Menu again.

Another option is to go to the hack link registry location identified above by Richard and check for NoSimpleStartMenu (this entry is not mentioned in the article) and make sure it is not enabled. If so, disable it and that should resolve the problem. If you elect this option, before starting create a System Restore Point and backup the Registry to be on the safe side.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

Just got back - it was indeed the registry hack that fixed it, going to

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

I found that "NoSimpleStartMenu" was set to 1 - setting it to 0 and logging off/logging on gave me back my Vista start menu...

Thanks to all...! --ch

re: Start menu - only "Classic" available

Hi chmillman,

Excellent news and well done! It was our pleasure - glad we could help.

Thanks for the feedback - it is appreciated (and may help others with the same problem).

I will request that this thread be marked as solved.

Good luck and best wishes!