The start menu used to place a RUN command which opens a smalle window above the start button which allowed command entries. It is no longer present. Right clicking the start button, choosing properties then start menu tab, then clicking advanced opens a list in which near the bottom has the RUN option WITH a check mark which should produce the RUN command but it does not.

Any Ideas?

Does holding down the Windows key + R bring up the run command?

Does Holdeing down the windows key while clicking R bring up the run command.
YES IT DO and THANKS, but how would I know that? Would still like to know why it dis-appeared from the start menu.

Right click on the start button and choose Properties, then click on Customize and make sure that the "Display Run" checkbox has a tick in it, click ok, then click Apply then ok.