Program list missing

I have had a few problems with my computer crashing randomly, but usually after restarting all seems to run ok. Now when started if I select start- all programs, all that are listed are internet explorer, outlook express, remote assistance, media player, admin tools (which is empty) and startup. There are none of my installed programs listed, but if I look in 'C' drive, program files they are still listed there and can be started from there. I would appreciate any help from anyone for this newcomer to your forum
Cheers

 

buddie2--I know you are seeing some programs, but maybe this will help
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/AllPrograms.htm
Nothing to lose by doing the regsvr32 procedure.

 

For Administrative Tools folder being empty, the story is similar to the issue with All Programs:

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/admintools.htm

 

sorry for not posting earlier but a small snag with my internet connection, ok now. Following your advice I now have a resolution to my problems, but still don't know WHY it happened in the first place. I appreciate your rapid response to my query.
Cheers

 

The path to some of your Shell folders got changed.
There are many reasons this can happen, from software installation to Shell32.dll becoming unregistered.

Why it happened in your case is impossible to divine.