new to computers?

If you changed from the new start menu to the classic start menu, All programs would go away. Right-click on the taskbar, select properties, click on the start menu tab, then change from classic start menu to start menu. That's for XP. For vista, it may be a bit different.

right click on your taskbar and go to the properties. taskbar is the bottom bar at the bottom of the screen, with the start menu.

select the 'start menu' tab and mess around with those controls to get it back. i dont remember what it looked like on XP, i have Vista now

reboot your computer with the XP CD in the tray....boot from the cd......when it asks you if you want install a new copy of it.....hit the "R" for repair.......then after it is done.......it will only repair / replace WINDOWS files......however you should still have program files in c:\program files .... you may have to re-install some but try clicking on the icons there.......hopefully that helps and answers you.... you can also go into the documents and settings folders for all users and look and see if your last install that worked....has your start menu items and prgorams there if so copy to your new profile there and it should work....

if none of those answers helped you, it could be something to do with your registry as there is a tweak for windows xp for removing your "all programs" button from the start menu.