[DR M]

Hello.
 
If you have access in everything using this path, then you are OK: C:\Users\User*\
 
And you can delete those shortcuts if you want.
 
 
1. Uninstall Classic Shell

• Press the Windows Key + R.
• Type appwiz.cpl in the Run box and click OK.
• The Add/Remove Programs list will open. Locate the following program on the list:

Classic Shell

• Select the above program and click Uninstall.
• Restart the computer.

 

2. Control Panel
 
Actually the image you posted is the result of right clicking on the Start menu. Although there is a way to put Control Panel there, I recommend you to do the following to pin it on the Start menu or the Taskbar.
 
In the Search area type Control Panel and when it appears, right click on it. Then choose Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar. With this way, you will have Control Panel ready to use when you need it. 
 
 
3. Check the system files
 
Although you said that no other problems now, I recommend you to make a check regarding the system files.

Run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• Click on the Start button and in the search box, type Command Prompt
• When you see Command Prompt on the list, right-click on it and select Run as administrator
• Enter the command below and press on Enter;
  • Let the scan run until the end (100%). Depending on your system, it can take some time.
  • Please post here the result you got (screenshot).

 

When DISM finishes, you can then run SFC from the same command prompt window, but full instructions as if starting fresh:

sfc /scannow

• Click on the Start button and in the search box, type Command Prompt
• When you see Command Prompt on the list, right-click on it and select Run as administrator
• Enter the command below and press on Enter
• Let the scan finish.
• You will normally get one of the following results:

Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them
Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation

• Post what you got (screenshot)

 

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umm, right click menu, lol   However, Control Panel is not in the Start Menu either.

[pumbaa]

umm, right click menu, lol   However, Control Panel is not in the Start Menu either.

[DR M]

umm, right click menu, lol   However, Control Panel is not in the Start Menu either.

 

You are the one who is going to put it in the Start menu:

 

In the Search area type Control Panel and when it appears, right click on it. Then choose Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar. With this way, you will have Control Panel ready to use when you need it. 

 

When you pin it to Start, you will see it when you left click on the Start button. See attachments. 

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 

[pumbaa]

I pinned the Control Panel to the Task Bar and Start Menu.  Thank you.

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[DR M]

As you can see, Windows Recource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
 
If everything is fine now and if no other question...

The following tool will remove the tools we used as well as reset system restore points:

Download KpRm by kernel-panik and save it to your desktop.

• Right-click kprm_(version).exe and select Run as Administrator.
• Read and accept the disclaimer.
• When the tool opens, ensure all boxes under Actions are checked.
• Under Delete Quarantines select Delete Now, then click Run.
• Once complete, click OK.
• A log will open in Notepad titled kprm-(date).txt.
• Please copy and paste its contents in your next reply.

[pumbaa]

# Run at 3/13/2022 3:12:52 AM

# KpRm (Kernel-panik) version 2.9.3

# Website https://kernel-panik.me/tool/kprm/

# Run by user from C:\Users\user\Desktop

# Computer Name: DESKTOP-9SBNT25

# OS: Windows 10 X64 (19043) 

# Number of passes: 1

 

- Checked options -

 

    ~ Registry Backup

    ~ Delete Tools

    ~ Restore System Settings

    ~ UAC Restore

    ~ Delete Restore Points

    ~ Create Restore Point

    ~ Delete Quarantines

 

- Create Registry Backup -

 

   ~ [OK] Hive C:\Windows\System32\config\SOFTWARE backed up

   ~ [OK] Hive C:\Users\user\NTUSER.dat backed up

 

     [OK] Registry Backup: C:\KPRM\backup\2022-03-13-03-12-43

 

- Delete Tools -

 

 

  ## AdwCleaner

     [OK] C:\Users\user\Desktop\AdwCleaner.exe deleted

     [OK] C:\AdwCleaner deleted

 

  ## FRST

     [OK] C:\Users\user\Desktop\FRST64 (1).exe deleted

     [OK] C:\Users\user\Desktop\FRST64.exe deleted

     [OK] C:\FRST deleted

 

- Restore System Settings -

 

     [OK] Reset WinSock

     [OK] FLUSHDNS

     [OK] Hide Hidden file.

     [OK] Show Extensions for known file types

     [OK] Hide protected operating system files

 

- Restore UAC -

 

     [OK] Set EnableLUA with default (1) value

     [OK] Set ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin with default (5) value

     [OK] Set ConsentPromptBehaviorUser with default (3) value

     [OK] Set EnableInstallerDetection with default (0) value

     [OK] Set EnableSecureUIAPaths with default (1) value

     [OK] Set EnableUIADesktopToggle with default (0) value

     [OK] Set EnableVirtualization with default (1) value

     [OK] Set FilterAdministratorToken with default (0) value

     [OK] Set PromptOnSecureDesktop with default (1) value

     [OK] Set ValidateAdminCodeSignatures with default (0) value

 

- Clear Restore Points -

 

   ~ [OK] RP named Scheduled Checkpoint created at 03/12/2022 13:08:30 deleted

   ~ [OK] RP named Removed Classic Shell created at 03/12/2022 17:17:57 deleted

   ~ [OK] RP named Removed Classic Shell created at 03/12/2022 17:20:08 deleted

     [OK] All system restore points have been successfully deleted

 

- Create Restore Point -

 

     [OK] System Restore Point created

 

- Display System Restore Point -

 

   ~ [I] RP named KpRm created at 03/13/2022 08:15:23

 

-- KPRM finished in 250.13s --

 

[DR M]

Very good. 

 

 

The following tips are about your computer's security from now on:

Some of the following, are from Klein's (2005) article, So how did I get infected in the first place. Since then, the article has been reproduced or linked to in dozens of locations. As a result, many malware experts have continued updating it, to include current operating systems and software program information. My source is Security Garden, and I marked for you the following:

1. Keep your Windows updated!
It is important always to keep current with the latest security fixes from Microsoft. This can patch many of the security holes through which attackers can infect your computer.

2. Update 3rd Party Software Programs
Third Party software programs have long been targets for malware creators. It has been stated that "Adobe’s Reader and Flash and all versions of Java are together responsible for a total of 66 percent of the vulnerabilities in Windows systems exploited by malware.'' It's important to keep everything updated.

3. Update the browsers you use
Many malware infections install themselves by exploiting security holes in the Internet browser that you use. So... Keep them updated.

4. Be careful about what you download and what you open!

• Many "freeware" programs come with an enormous amount of bundled spyware that will slow down your system, spawn pop-up advertisements, or just plain crash your browser or even Windows itself. Watch for pre-checked options such as toolbars that are not essential to the operation of the installed software.
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) programs like Kazaa, BearShare, Imesh, Warez P2P, and others, allow the creation of a network enabling people to connect with other users and upload or download material in a fast efficient manner. BUT even if the P2P software you are using is "clean", a large percentage of the files served on the P2P network are likely to be infected.
• Cracked or pirated programs are not only illegal, but also can make your computer a malware target. Have this in mind.
• Do not open any files without being certain of what they are!

5. Avoid questionable web sites!
Visit web sites that are trustworthy and reputable. Many disreputable sites will attempt to install malware on your system through "drive-by" exploits just by visiting the site in your browser. Lyrics sites, free software sites (especially ones that target young children), cracked software sites, and pornography sites are some of the worst offenders. Also, never give out personal information of any sort online or click "OK" to a pop-up unless it is signed by a reputable company and you know what it is.

6. Registry cleaners/driver boosters/system optimizers
I do not recommend registry cleaners, system optimizers, driver boosters and the like. It is your computer and certainly your choice. However, please consider that modifying registry keys incorrectly can cause Windows instability, or make Windows unbootable. With registry cleaner and system optimization software programs, the potential is ever present to cause more problems than they claim to fix. Do note, however, that Microsoft does not support the use of registry cleaners. See Microsoft support policy for the use of registry cleaning utilities.

7. PC means personal computer!
Don't give access to your computer to friends or family who appear to be clueless about what they are doing.

8. Back-up your work!
Make back-ups of your personal files frequently. You never know when you'll have to reformat and start from scratch. You can always reformat and reinstall programs, but you cannot replace your data if you haven't made backups.

9. Must-Have Software
An anti-virus and an anti-spyware program is a necessity for the security of your computer. Be sure that you keep them updated, and that real time protection is enabled. You have now Avast. Together with Malwarebytes, if you run it occasionally, depending on how often you use your computer, can keep you safe.

Happy safe computing.


I'm glad I was able to help you.

[pumbaa]

Thank you so much for your patience and help.  You guys are fantastic and irreplaceable.  

[DR M]

Thank you so much for your patience and help.  You guys are fantastic and irreplaceable.  

 

You are very welcome.