[tomkat]

Assuming you're familiar with Windows Explorer and have, like most, C: as your root drive (where Windows is installed):

a) Open Windows Explorer

b) Navigate to the locations listed below

c) Right click on each .exe entry and click 'create shortcut'

d) The new shortcut should show up right under the app you're working on (do them one at a time)

e) Right click/drag each new shortcut to the folder in your Start Menu where you usually access them

f) Be certain you're dragging the shortcut and not the .exe file ! (there should be a little arrow on the shortcut)

This will do nothing for the underlying reason for their disappearance but at least you'll have access til you/someone on the scene can sort it out.

Calculator > C:\System32\calc.exe

Sound Recorder > C:\System32\sndrec32.exe

Volume Control > C:\System32\sndvol32.exe

Paint > C:\System32\mspaint.exe

Solitaire > C:\System32\sol.exe

Hearts > C:\System32\mshearts.exe

Freecell > C:\System32\freecell.exe

MineSweeper > C:\System32\winmine.exe

Spider > C:\System32\spider.exe

Outlook Express > C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe

* Pinball > C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Pinball\pinball.exe

* Reversi > C:\Program Files\MSN Gaming Zone\Windows\Rvsezm.exe

*Spades > C:\Program Files\MSN Gaming Zone\Windows\shvlzm.exe

* your system may/may not include these

[mtbopfuyn]

All righty! Off to try this. Thanks!