Intermittent non-functioning Start, Notification???

Why is it that sometimes the Start and Notification icons are inactive? When this happens, I restart the computer and all is well again????

Some people advise for permanent fix of this issue to reboot into safe mode with networking and then back into normal mode. Try it..

flycaster said:

Why is it that sometimes the Start and Notification icons are inactive? When this happens, I restart the computer and all is well again????

Run a system file check to look for corrupt files. It will try to do repair if any found.
Right click at Start button > click Command Prompt (Admin) > at the flashing prompt, copy/paste this.......
sfc /scannow

> press Enter.
It will take quite sometime.
When finished, it will give you one of the 3 reports...............(paraphrasing)
1. No integrity violation.
2. Found corrupt files and repair successful.
3. Found corrupt files but unable to repair.

If the report is #1, your solution lies elsewhere.
If the report is #2, check if your problems have been resolved.
If the report is #3, use this method................
In the same Command Prompt (Admin) windows, copy and paste this command...........

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

> press Enter.
Again it will take some time.
When finished, it will give you a report.

Ran scan, no integrity problems...

Have you tried my advice above - reboot into safe mode with networking and back ?

No, haven't tried yet as this is an intermittent problem that hasn't been occurring that often. However, I'll give it a try the next time the gremlins attack.