Not long ago, I had to do a forced shut-down by unplugging my computer (I have had to do this several times before, without any problems). When it restarted, Windows went through a disk-check process (also not uncommon). This time, however, all of my settings were lost, and I had to reset everything. Two problems remain that I can't figure out how to fix:

1. All icons missing from start menu. This is not a major problem for me because I don't use the start menu to access any programs or sites, but I like to keep some important items there as a backup source. When I find a program to put back on, I right-click and select "pin to start menu", but nothing happens. The menu remains blank.

2. This is a bigger problem for me. Printer setup has not worked for me. After numerous attempts using the control panel (Windows Vista), an the printer options, as well as reinstalling my printer (Lexmark Series 2600, no network), I have managed to get printing to work from the internet, but it will not work from Microsoft Works. From word, it says printer not found. From spreadsheet, it says no default printer set. I have gone through the steps listed (control panel, set default, etc.) This does not fix the problem. I have files in both word and spreadsheet that I need to be able to print.

Thanks to everyone who tried to help, so far I have not been able to fix these problems, and have a new one: my computer has started running very slow.

I intend to pick a best answer, but I want it to go to someone who helps me solve the problem. I have some comments on the answers so far: Alpine, I don't want to restore computer to factory, in a few months I plan on getting a new one, and I don't want to go through that again (I've done it twice already). Tony, you gave me a link to XP, I stated that I have Vista; after search, I found Vista doesn't have equivalent fix. But you gave me some areas to go to to try to fix other problems. Danny, that is not an answer, if you agree with someone else, just give a thumbs up. Latit Joshi, you missed my point about shutdowns, but I tried restoring to earlier version, it didn't work, and caused more problems. SteveS, I had followup questions for you, I think you could help, but you do not allow email. I need info in non-IT language.