Access to Start Menu folder shortcuts

This topic has been covered previously and I tried to find a solution to my inquiry in those threads. However, I noticed that the recommended pathway to the Start Menu folder shortcuts (C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu) is only valid if the Start Menu is in the “Classic Start menu” setting. I want to access the Start Menu which contains shortcuts while in the “Start menu” setting (default) but I am unable.
One thing I find interesting is that Shortcuts are not shared between “Start menu” and “Classic Start menu” settings. As an example, in the default “Start menu” I have the shortcut file CCleaner and others (pic 1 - default).

If I switch to “Classic Start menu” CCleaner is not listed, but a shortcut to VLC media player is listed, but VLC is not listed when in “Start menu”. So I assume these follow different pathways.

In attempting to access the shortcuts when in the default “Start menu” setting, three pathways yield an “Access is denied” popup window and I don’t even know if any one of these correct. They are:
1. C:\Program Data
2. C:\Users\Username
3. C:\Users\Default

I apologize for being so long winded, just kind of difficult to explain. All I want to do is access the folder Start Menu associated with the default Start menu. If it's one where access is denied, how do I gain access? Thank you in advance.

Found this "solution" but whether it's a good idea to change permissions seems open to debate:

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/79571-start-menu-shortcuts.html

MilesAhead - I sincerely apologize for the lateness of this reply. I only came here to find out how many views there were to the question and found your reply. Don't know what happened with email notifications.
I went and checked it out. Yes, I was able to change/add Permissions and did so. Unfortunately, I am still unable to access the folder via explorer. Interestingly, I can see and access EVERY folder on my computer via two (2) nearly identical file management programs called PowerDesk and Free Commander.
Any other ideas let me know. I like doing things in a conventional way and not being able to access any folder with me as the only user just rubs me the wrong way. Thanks again.

-Mark