📎 AI Summary:
The original poster is experiencing a problem where all startup options and folders have disappeared in Windows, preventing them from managing startup programs despite some programs still launching. They have tried multiple methods, including accessing startup folders via shell, shortcuts, and settings, but without success. A responder suggests using the Autoruns utility from Microsoft Sysinternals and checking for hidden files or recent changes to identify the cause. Overall, the discussion centers around troubleshooting missing startup options in Windows.
A

antcw

New Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2021
Messages
1
Thread Author #1
All the options just kind of disappeared. Various methods I've tried and failed include:
  • shell:startup

  • An image from 'My boot startup menu has straight-up disappeared; I can't change my startup programs.'. Windows startup settings and folders show no startup programs or items configured.
  • ctrl+alt+del startup menu

  • An image from 'My boot startup menu has straight-up disappeared; I can't change my startup programs.'. Windows startup settings and folders show no startup programs or items configured.
  • Windows Settings>Apps>Startup

  • An image from 'My boot startup menu has straight-up disappeared; I can't change my startup programs.'. Windows startup settings and folders show no startup programs or items configured.
  • /ProgramData/ path to the startup folder (created one to see if it'd populate, it didn't)

  • An image from 'My boot startup menu has straight-up disappeared; I can't change my startup programs.'. Windows startup settings and folders show no startup programs or items configured.
  • /AppData/ path to the startup folder
  • An image from 'My boot startup menu has straight-up disappeared; I can't change my startup programs.'. Windows startup settings and folders show no startup programs or items configured.
I'm pretty tapped out on ideas at this point. I can't turn on or turn off any of my startup programs; without this directory it seems like I'm locked out, even though programs are definitely starting (including newly installed ones with "Boot at Startup" enable at install). Anyone ever experience something like this?
 

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GDany

Honorable Member
Joined
May 7, 2018
Messages
220
#2
You could also try Autoruns from Microsoft Sysinternals, you can find here: Autoruns for Windows - Windows Sysinternals
to see if there are any registry keys related to Start Up apps.
What about hidden files, did you enable the option to see them: View hidden files and folders in Windows
Did you install anything prior to the disappearance of the Start Up menu/files?

Sent from my SM-T860 using Tapatalk
 

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