[SOLVED] Main Menu no longer comes up when called (Mint 19.1)

Have been using Mint 19.1 for 2 months with no problems. (new user)
suddenly the main menu no longer shows up when called. When I click on its lower left icon there is a screen flicker but the menu doesn't show.
During a prior session I left the computer on for several hours unused. It went into suspension mode with dark screen. I woke up the screen and tried to command a shutdown. I waited 2-3 minutes with no response. I then forced a shutdown with the power button. Could this have had an adverse effect? Corrupted a file? Can I call up the menu with terminal?

Any suggestions on what the problem might be? How to correct it? Do I need to reinstall Mint?
Appreciate any suggestions.

Hi sammatthews, and welcome to LQ.

Yes, a forced shutdown can negatively affect your system.

Did you try using TimeShift to restore a snapshot of your system before the issue occurred?

Are you using Cinnamon, MATE or Xfce?

Thanks for replying.
I am using cinnamon.
I did not try TimeShift.

Originally Posted by sammatthews Thanks for replying. I am using cinnamon. I did not try TimeShift.

If you have previously set up TimeShift to take regular snapshots, why don't you try reverting to a previous snapshot.

Unfortunately I did not set up TimeShift when I installed Linux.

You've now found out why it is a good idea to set it up.

Do you still have the panel at the bottom of the screen? If so, right-click on an empty area of the panel and select Troubleshoot->Restore all settings to default. See if that makes a difference.

Your last suggestion worked!
The menu returned! I will be setting up TimeShift.
Thank you very much for your assistance.

Great to hear!

If you want, you can mark the thread "Solved" (see "Thread Tools" at the top of the thread).