This issue started a few days ago, when I started my laptop and it complained that the C drive needs checking and I let it run the disc check completely. once it booted and I logged in (Single User - Administrator), I noticed that my Applications that were pinned to the taskbar are no longer visible. When I tried to Pin an app to the taskbar, the option is greyed out and it doesnt allow me to do so anymore. Further I noticed that I am not able to save any of my StartMenu, Taskbar or Folder Option settings. My StartMenu list is empty and I cannot pin any apps to it, neither does it auto populate with any apps I open and use. I am able to perform all operations as normal and all my apps behave normally, but it is being a pain not being able to customize my standard look and feel. I tried to create a new user and when logged in as the new user, I am able to do all the above listed as normal, and dont see any issues. But I dont want to move to another user profile and have to loose/move all my app settings over. Please do let me know if you can think of what may have happened and how I could reset my user profile settings/preferences. I'm running Windows 7 Enterprise with SP1 on a Workgroup. UCL is turned off. Thanks in advance.

I also have IE 9 installed and am not able to do any system restores. They just fail!!

You need to replace the user profile. However you can migrate data from the old profile. Fix a corrupted user profile http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/fix-a-corrupted-user-profilePlease remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.