In my computer, 'Control panel' is not figured under 'Start' button. Why? Any Spy/virus inside has hidden it?

This problem is there for nearly three weeks. But I am working on the laptop as usual. What should I do to get back the control panel menu. In the classic menu there is no listing about control panel at all? why? 'Operation restricted by Administrator' comes the message. Will anyone help me out?In my computer, 'Control panel' is not figured under 'Start' button. Why? Any Spy/virus inside has hidden it?
In the classic menu ';Control Panel'; is listed under the settings menu.





And in the new start menu you can choose if you want control panel or not. Just right click the start button then click properties, then go to the Start Menu tab and click customize, You will find a checkbox about ';Control Panel';





You did not specify when did the message came, But this kind of messages usually comes when your account on XP does not have some of the administrative right.





And it could be the work of a virus, If you can't get to the control panel as i mentioned, then it is a virus for sure. But it has already done it's work. An antivirus can remove the virus but it can't fix it. I recommend you should format your PC. Discard any file you don't need, and when you have finished formating your computer do not insert any pendrives or flash cards before installing and updating the Antivirus.In my computer, 'Control panel' is not figured under 'Start' button. Why? Any Spy/virus inside has hidden it?
http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-F鈥?/a>





http://www.download.com/3000-8022_4-1076鈥?/a>





download these, this should help you
Are you the only use of your computer/ do you have more than one accounts on your commputer. If yes then see if the account you are using has administrative privilages.


If not then run system file checker, it should repair any damaged system files


http://mypchelp.blogspot.com/2006/12/sys鈥?/a>
What your describing is also a user access level setting. I can't find any alerts about this on Symantec or Microsoft.





If you are underage (your parent is the administrator of the computer) they may have changed some of the permissions.





Company Computer: If this is not your computer (it belongs to your employer) you are probably a restricted user. It would be against company tech policy for you to change the settings they have put in place, and difficult if they've done it correctly. Believe me, there are reasons for it. End users may not like it much, but it decreases system risks and headaches. As long as it is not restricting your working ability, it will stay in place. If it truly is a problem, then contact IT department or have your supervisor contact them.





btw, a good IT department can lock your computer down so far that you can use only one program and access NONE of windows. (yes, even the log off/shutdown).
If your control panel has suddenly disappeared then you may be infected with something. I would make sure you have a proper security suite (antivirus, firewall, antispyware, etc) installed from a reliable vendor (mcafee, norton, etc) properly configured and up to date. If so, perform a manual update, close out of all programs, run a complete scan.


If not, get one... and in the meantime run a web based scan from http://housecall65.trendmicro.com





If your control panel is missing and you have it on a different computer then it could simply need to be configured on the computer you're using. This is done via the Taskbar and Start Menu applet in the Control Panel.





There is an outside chance that you are not infected with anything and that your system has simply become corrupt from something else... if this is the case you may want to either attempt a system restore or a windows repair.





Good Luck