📎 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

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Nov 12, 2021
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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.
    Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Scan details
  • 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.
    Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Scan details
  • 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.
    Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Scan details
  • /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.
    Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Scan details
  • /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.
    Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Scan details
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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    Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Scan details
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GDany

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