I reinstalled windows 7 but now I do not know how to get all the settings back on screen. Previously had a drop down menu on top that gave easy access to mail, chat, utilities, recycle bin.... how do I get this back.

Right click on the desktop, View, Desktop Icons. Some brainiac at Microsoft thought it would get his rocks off if he caused you stress.

Hi, Thanks for the post! After reinstallation, basically, you would have the “Recycle Bin” icon on your desktop. Try to right click the desktop – view – show desktop icons. For other icons, like mails, chat, utilities, it’s depend on user settings, you can drag some frequently used program to the desktop after you install those extra software(not with windows). Hope it helps! Regards, Miya YaoThis posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. | Please 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.