Recently used program shortcuts are disappearing after restart

I am using Windows XP. Whenever I start up I will have 4 shortcuts in the start menu under the recently used programs list:
– Media Center
– Windows Media Player
– Tour Windows XP
– Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

Whenever I open a new program, it appears under the list as it should. Unfortunately, whenever I restart Windows I’m back to the same 4 original programs. Also, any of the pins I make to the permanent start menu shortcuts disappear as well after a restart.

Anyone have ideas on why this is happening and how to fix it?