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Question

Can you help: uninstalling malware removed my Start Menu

May 12, 2015 10:41PM PDT

Hi folks.

My 1 year old Lenovo laptop (running on Windows 8.1) recently picked up Bontio/Pokki malware via an update to the browser bar.

After a full scan, my McAfee software did not detect this Bontio software.

As I went through the 'Uninstall programs' option (via Contol Panel) to remove two very recent Bontio/Pokki installations, a dialog box popped up 'warning' that removal of the program would also remove the Start Menu. Thinking this was just a prohibitive, pre-programmed empty threat, I opted to continue with the removal/uninstalling. After rebooting my laptop, the Start Menu no longer appears (on the Taskbar, or anywhere else).

I took a look at PC Settings / Update & Recovery and found the option 'Refresh your PC without affecting your files', but this will involve reinstalling 13 software applications. I'm sure there must be a more simple way to recover my Start Menu & icon.

Can anyone advise me on how I return a fully functional Start Menu to my taskbar?

All useful advice & instructions will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Sorry but Windows 8's start menu
May 12, 2015 10:48PM PDT

Is a tricky area. I don't think it was that good to begin with so I install Classic Start.

Frankly, since I can't guess if you installed some better start button app like Classic Start, I can't guess if that's the issue here.

malware is bad stuff. Maybe the 13 software apps is a small price to pay for the malware removal?
Bob

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Answer
Tried Installing Classic Shell?
May 13, 2015 4:23AM PDT

The Classic Shell program places a Windows 7 "type" start button and start menu on Windows 8.1 computers which makes the standard desktop appear at startup. It's a free program and can be downloaded from the link below.. Download the installer to the desktop, then run it.. It should create a start menu you can use normally.

http://www.classicshell.net/

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Answer
If You Haven't Already,Try Using These Malware Removal...
May 13, 2015 4:27AM PDT