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Question

Critical Start Menu Error

Apr 16, 2017 12:28PM PDT

So this is a long question, but the short version is I need alternate fixes for this problem.
I have started to receive the "Critical Error Your Start menu isn't working. We'll try to fix it the next time you sign in." error.

Computer OS:
Windows 10 upgraded from Windows 7

The error began maybe 2 weeks ago, and up until today it has been mildly irritating but the computer hasn't been used consistently so it has not been a problem. Now I need to fix it so I'm actually attempting the different fixes available.

Already Tried, and results:

Reboot to Safe mode.
Operation: Pass
Fix: Fail
Computer successfully boots to safe mode, but upon restart in normal problem still persists.

Powershell Get AppX
Operation: Questionable
Fix: Fail
After running Powershell as an Admin and running the command the prompt displays numerous red "Fail" prompts as it is unable to complete for different Apps. Reboot afterward does not resolve the problem.

Uninstall AntiVirus
Operation: Fail
Fix: Fail
Uninstall failed to complete due to an error in Apps, Antivirus cannot be uninstalled.

Add Administrator Profile
Operation: Fail
Fix: Fail
Button to add another user does nothing. Can be clicked and let sit, or clicked numerous times, this option does nothing no user is added, does not fix problem.

Run Ati-Malware/Anit-Spyware
Operation: Pass
Fix: Fail
Found numerous PUP applications and settings, removed all as not needed for system operation. Reboot afterward did not fix problem.

Run boot-time scan AntiVirus
Operation: Pass
Fix: Fail
Boot time scan found numerous corrupted archives in user files, no viruses detected, no root kits detected. Corrupted files deleted, restart and still problem is not fixed.

Uninstall Unnecessary Applications
Operation: Pass
Fix: Fail
All applications not used frequently deleted. Reboot and still problem persists.

System Restore
Operation: Fail
Fix: Fail
First restore point tried was corrupt, second restore point tried entered system restore state. After 1 hour of system attempting restore it boots to a prompt stating something to the effect of "Apps error, System Restore failed. Attempt to Restore to alternate point, or close System Restore." No alternate points available. System restore unsuccessful.

At this point I am at a loss for things I can try to do to resolve the problem shy of a complete Reformat Reinstall. I would like to avoid this option if possible. Moving needed User Files to an alternate device for storage during reinstall would be a massive undertaking and very time consuming so if anyone has any other suggestions I'm open to try.

Thanks in Advance,
PaeganLover

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Can you clarify something?
Apr 16, 2017 12:33PM PDT
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Clarification
Apr 16, 2017 12:42PM PDT

An exact copy of the message (spelling, Capitalization, grammar marks, spacing, just not button surroundings) is:

Critical Error

Your Start menu isn't working. We'll try to fix it the next time you sign in.

                                                                                                                                    Sign out now

I noticed all the messages when I googled it mentioning Cortana but mine does not. If there is a way to add a Screen Shot to these message I don't know what it is, first time on this forum, but I am happy to provide one if you have a way to upload it.

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Answer
I wonder.
Apr 16, 2017 12:31PM PDT

What antivirus this is. Many are so entrenched I have to run cleaner apps. Until the AV is known, let's call it suspect.

FREE LESSON ON WINDOWS OS UPGRADES. Never leave an AV or any app that digs deep into the OS installed and perform the upgrade. You'll learn why I do this.

PS. I don't see a test with a new local admin account. Try that.

Post was last edited on April 16, 2017 12:31 PM PDT

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I Wonder. Response
Apr 16, 2017 12:38PM PDT

I did not think about uninstalling and reinstalling the AV on upgrade. Someone using the PC upgraded without asking if it was wanted, so I didn't prepare and have just dealt with it.

The AV is Avast. I will try to uninstall again if you can recommend a cleaner app that would delete it, but the base Uninstall option does not work.

New local Admin account was not able to be added. After getting to the Add User option in settings the button did nothing. I don't know how to add an admin through CMD prompt or any other alternate methods, so unless there is a way besides the Add User option, this is not possible.
If you have a way for me to add a local Admin I will happily try that.

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For Avast here's their cleaner.
Apr 16, 2017 12:49PM PDT

Post was last edited on April 16, 2017 12:51 PM PDT

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Thanks
Apr 16, 2017 12:57PM PDT

Downloaded the cleaner, going to restart system into safe mode and attempt to remove it.

I don't have a start menu so I did not follow the same steps to get to the "Add someone else to this PC" button. However, that is the button I am referring to when I say clicking it does nothing.

The steps I am following are:
Open File Folder shortcut on desktop. Right Click This PC, Click Properties. Click Settings under User Profiles, Click User Accounts hot link. Click Manage Another Account. Click Add a new user in PC settings. Click Add someone else to this PC.

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Results
Apr 16, 2017 1:08PM PDT

Add User in Safe Mode did not work, button still does nothing. All computer profiles have the error with the start menu.

AvastClear successfully uninstalled the AV, however upon restart into normal operating mode problem with start menu persists. Reinstalling AV software now, will perform reboot when done.

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Prepare
Apr 16, 2017 1:34PM PDT

Prepare for the worst, a wipe and reinstall of the OS.
Start copying out 'your stuff'.

Once that's safely tucked away and you run out of fixes reload the OS but select the save programs (or whatever it's called) feature.......test.

If that does not work then reload the OS but do a full install (wipe and reload).

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Thanks
Apr 16, 2017 2:25PM PDT

Wipe and reload looks to be the only option remaining.

With how this problem is acting it's like different functions are experiencing problems.

To clarify on the Windows Start Bar:
Clicking on the file folder pinned to task bar loads a file explorer. Clicking the More arrow shows additional applications that are running. Clicking on the 4 pane Start Button results in the error message loading. Clicking the Windows Key on the keyboard results in the error message. Clicking the Calculator pinned to task bar returns the error.

It's as if Windows Apps has a problem, Chrome, Games, most non-system applications run just fine.
Restore points and Refresh return system errors, which seems odd for an App problem.

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Answer
OK, how about Windows 10's repair options.
Apr 16, 2017 1:55PM PDT
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Trying Now
Apr 16, 2017 2:08PM PDT

CHKDSK returns no errors in C: Drive.
Attempting the Refresh option (the one that saves files but restores system files to factory), may be a while until it is done.

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CHKDSK /F ????
Apr 16, 2017 2:46PM PDT

I have seen chdksk return with no errors. You must add the /F.

Refresh returned an error? What error and if the chkdsk was not done as asked, well I expect troubles.

Let's hear more about the error.

OK, let's see a SPECCY so I can see if there are leftover "protection apps." Read how at https://www.piriform.com/docs/speccy/using-speccy/publishing-a-speccy-profile-to-the-web

As to wipe and reload, I have yet to do that except for a machine with a rootkit. Windows 10's reset (versus refresh) does the full reset for us.

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Working
Apr 16, 2017 3:42PM PDT

I did the chkdsk I was able to get to through settings, not with /f but i am doing that now.
I had to get CMD to run in admin mode, which took some finagling, it returned disk in use and is now running during reboot.
It has been on a screen saying preparing windows, do not shut off, so I am letting it run its course.

The refresh error I will have to re see to give more details, so as soon as chkdsk finishes I'll get back on that.

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Final Update
Apr 20, 2017 9:49AM PDT

For those of you who would like to know what ended up happening.

I did chkdsk /f which required a system reboot and worked during that process, I wasn't able to see the results due to afk.
However when I returned the system was at login screen.

I attempted the reset option that deletes everything to no avail.
The problem looked something like
There was a problem resetting your PC no changes have been made.

So then I looked up fixes to that and tried the restart to recovery environment, open CMD and do ren on system and software in system32/config.
The one for system went fine the one for software errored saying in use.
I then decided my work time was dwindling and I would try to save files.
It allowed me to copy about 4 folders off the desktop before stating file paths could not be found.
So I input the creation disk to start over, the OS is now wo4king as it should.

I think the error was the result of a brown out where the system shut off for a moment during the installation of software, but at this point it is too late to tell.

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It happens.
Apr 20, 2017 9:58AM PDT

That is, updates to OS and such can result in wipeouts if the power goes out at just the right time.

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Attempt Failed
Apr 16, 2017 2:20PM PDT

Refresh returned an error.
No changes were made.