Annoying programs menu

When I first got my computer, my start->programs menu was just as I like it - normal, showing all the programs all the time.

Then, this weekend, I was changing my wallpaper on my desktop and windows asked me if I wanted to turn active desktop on. I said yes, and ever since my programs menu and all submenus show only some of the programs and have 2 down arrows for the rest, and when you click the arrows, some programs appear with light grey boxes around them.

I tried turning off active desktop but it didn't help. Does anyone know how I can get my programs menu back the way it was?

Correct me if I am assuming here but I think what you are referring to are the prsonalized menus that WinME ans Win2000 use where if you don't click on the program over a period of 6 days or so it disappears under the down arrow. If that is the case then do this

+ go to start
+ select settings
+ select task bar and start menu
+ uncheck the "Use Personalized Menus" box
+ click apply
+ click OK

this should do it . . . . . . . . . . . . I hope

------------------
Please bookmark your topic so you can find your post and let us know what worked and what didn't.
We really do want to know.

try to launch system restore to a previous date it will fix it

------------------
Glad to Help

Thanks Theoran, that was it.

Strange how that option turned itself on...

I got one word for you

MICROSOFT

------------------
Please bookmark your topic so you can find your post and let us know what worked and what didn't.
We really do want to know.