Missing apps on Programs and features

Hi Neil, many thanks for the link. However, I cannot see that any of the codes for the updates included in your link match the codes of the ones that caused my issue with Programs and Features.

Regards.

 

Hi guys, I write to give you some feedback about the outcome. I restored the system to factory settings and installed all the Windows automatic updates (including Windows 8.1). At that point, all programs were in Programs and Features as expected; however, it was after removing either the preinstalled version of MS Office 2013 or the preinstalled Games when most programs and apps were gone again. I don't think that it could be caused by Windows updates. I have run again sfc /scannow, Avast and Malwarebytes and they found no issues at all. After contacting Microsoft Help desk, they told me that it may have to do with the registry, but I don't know how to fix it. Could someone tell me how to do this or at least how to prevent it from happening again if I decide to perform a full recovery again, please?

Thanks.

 

There is no reason your system should still have these problems after a factory restore so I am really confused here.

Are you creating more than one user account?

Please download and install CCleaner - Slim Version. The "slim" version means the installer program does not include any unwanted toolbars - otherwise, CCleaner is the same.

Then start CCleaner and click on the Tools icon in the left side panel, then click the Uninstall button.

Are your programs listed there? If so, at least you can then use CCleaner to uninstall your programs as a workaround - not to mention, CCleaner is a great temporary file cleaner.

 

Hi Bill, thanks for your quick reply. I only have one single account (administrator) on my computer. After the recovery process, I removed the preinstalled version of MS Office 2013(through Programs and Features) and Games (by clicking on each uninstall.exe file) with no problems. Then, I downloaded and installed Windows automatic updates, MS Office 2013, Avast and Malwarebytes in this order.

What does it have CCleaner to do with this if the problem seems to lie in the registry?

Thanks.

 

For one, I am not convinced this is a Registry problem because that should have been reset when you did a factory restore.

Are you saying that right now, MS Office 2013, Avast and MBAM are NOT listed in the Control Panel applet?

CCleaner is suggested as a work around for missing apps in your Control Panel > Programs and Features applet. Plus it is just a good cleanup program.

Frankly while Avast is known to provide excellent security protection, it is also known to cause problems for many.

Since you are using W8.x which includes the new Windows Defender anti-malware program, you don't need Avast. WD with Windows Firewall, and periodic supplemental scanning with MBAM is plenty - assuming you keep Windows otherwise updated, and you avoid risky behavior like illegal filesharing via torrents and P2P sites, illegal pornography or gambling sites, and you are not "click happy" on unsolicited downloads, attachments, and links.

 

Thanks again, Bill. I have made an amendment to my post above in order to provide some more details that may be helpful and also avoid confusion. After the recovery, all programs and apps were actually there, but it was either after removing the preinstalled version of MS Office 2013 or the preinstalled Games that the programs and apps were gone again. I have only installed MS Office 2013, Avast, and Malwarebytes. It could also be caused by Windows updates, but I don't think so.

At this moment, only MS Office 2013 and other Microsoft related apps are displayed in Programs and Features. Adobe, Sony folder, Windows folders, Realtek, Avast, Malwarebytes, Bluetooth, Java, Intel... are gone.

Thanks for your advice on Avast. I never had a problem with this Internet Security Suite and I don't think that has something to do with the missing programs. Besides, I always keep away from all the "malicious" **** that you have mentioned above. Since there must not be a solution for this, I have been thinking of performing a full recovery again and not to remove Games, for example, to see what happens. What do you think?

Thanks Bill. Much appreciated.

 

If you are running Avast as your AV program - is Defender switched off?
It's a known fact that running two AV programs MAY cause big hiccups to the OS. Neil.
You said that MS Office 2013 was pre-installed. Was this the complete Office program and fully activated or do you have to purchase to get the complete program?

 

Hi Retairedlearned and Evan Omo, thanks for your help.

I haven't actually switched off Windows Defender after installing Avast, so I will do so to check whether the running of two antivirus may cause a conflict, although I have never experienced any problem before.

The reason why I removed MS Office 2013 was because it is a trial version that expires soon. I installed a reliable copy of MS Office 2013 (fully activated) that I have never had any problem with. Thus, I suspect that the source problem is caused when uninstalling either the preinstalled MS Office 2013 or Games and not by installing any other program.

Thanks.

 

Since you are using the Avast! Internet Security suite, which also includes a firewall, Windows Firewall (WF) should automatically be disabled too. But I would double check to make sure (though again, if me, I would just go with WD and WF - and MBAM to verify and double check all is okay).

While conflicts have traditionally been a "potential" problem when running two at once (I liken it to two dogs guarding the same bone, each wondering what the other is up to) in recent years, most have learned to get along better with other programs so the bigger problem is simply a waste of resources. That is, with a modern fully updated OS, we just don't need 2 anti-malware programs running at once. W7 and W8 are NOT XP!

Should you decide to do a full reinstall, I recommend you stop and take inventory of the Control Panel Programs and Features list at each point along the way. And remember, with W8, WD and WF are enabled right from the beginning by default so you are protected immediately while you update Windows and start installing your other apps.

I would urge you DON'T install Avast! again until you have installed all your other apps and ensure the Control Panel applet still looks good, you have Windows setup the way you like and everything is working fine. Then and only then, if you still desire Avast!, put it on.

 

Hi Bill, thanks again. I normally install Avast Internet Security because I think it is more complete and thus may provide more "security" than Windows Defender and Windows Firewall (I may be wrong). Anyway, I don't think that Avast is the problem here but removing the preinstalled Games or MS Office. By the way, when I install my copy of MS Office, should I first remove the preinstalled version or install directly my copy on the hard disk? I am asking you about this because, if uninstalling MS Office causes the problem, maybe I should not uninstall anything and just install my copy.

I will definitely check out Control Panel after every single installation/update.

Thanks.

 

That's what they want you to think - that's what every maker wants you to think. And that's okay, and again, Avast! is a good security program. But the reality is, we don't need an Abrams tank to be safe while driving. We just need a reliable, modern car that is properly maintained and MOST IMPORTANTLY, we need a safe and alert driver behind the wheel.

But understand security suites typically have many more features than basic anti-malware programs and firewalls. Features that don't increase security but many, including yours truly, see as "bloat" - resource hogging features that consume additional RAM and CPU cycles while providing no advantages in security. And they typically contain other features many see simply as "fluff" - that is, aesthetic features that don't do anything for security either.

To be sure, I am not singling out Avast! Me and many of my colleagues feel the same way about all "suites" - especially those that cost money.

Again, they provide the necessary security - no denying that. But all those advanced and extra features don't provide advanced security over what the basic anti-malware and firewall solutions do. And of course, the user discipline is the same, regardless because the best security in the world is no good if the user opens the door and invites the badguy in. So if a basic anti-malware and firewall (and of course, good user discipline) provide the protection we need, why bog down are systems with features we don't.
If you like Avast!, then stick with it. I am NOT trying to talk you out of it.

That's just it. You won't "know" for sure until you remove it.

I don't see that. Now I am assuming you are talking about the MS Games that come with Windows. If they were the problem, millions and millions of users would be making the same complaint. Same with MS Office. Microsoft is not in the habit of making programs that bog down and cause problems with Windows. I am also assuming all programs, including Windows, are legal copies.

No, I think it is something else causing your problems. You might consider PC Decrapifier. This tool is often recommended for new users of factory built computers that come preloaded with all sorts of unwanted and/or unneeded extras.