Unable to open Start Menu, any Programs or Task Manager


  1. tglew
    Posts : 2
    Windows 10
       New #1

    Unable to open Start Menu, any Programs or Task Manager


    The other day my computer was refusing to open some pop-up windows in Google Chrome so I restarted it. It hung in the restart window with the spinning circle for a significant period of time so I was forced to shut down.

    Upon restarting, I get to my desktop and my cursor is active but if I click on any desktop icons the circle just spins. If I click on the Start Menu the icon just darkens but menu doesn't open. And if I Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager, it takes me back to the desktop but nothing opens.

    I have tried restarting and shutting down (having to do both via Ctrl + Alt + Del) and the computer will just hang with the circle spinning.

    The machine is quite old and I've had minor problems throughout the way, but nothing like this. Any thoughts?
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  3. cottonball
    Posts : 579
    Windows 10 Home
       New #2

    tglew,

    Welcome to TenForums!

    Can you get to Advanced Startup Options by holding the Shift key and selecting Restart from the Power menu?

    If so, select: Advanced Startup Options > Choose an option > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore

    Try a System Restore to a point in time before the problem began.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  4. tglew
    Posts : 2
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Unable to shift click the restart button. It's been "Restarting" and just spinning all day.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  6. cottonball
    Posts : 579
    Windows 10 Home
       New #4

    tglew,

    Please try shutting down the computer pressing the Power button. You may have to press it for 15-20 seconds until it eventually shuts down.

    Now, press the Power button to turn on the PC, and, just as Windows starts to load (round dots rotating), press and hold the power button down until it turns off.

    Repeat the same actions two more times, and, on the third try, instead of the round dots, the PC show 'Please wait...' and then boots into Recovery mode. At this screen, press the following button: See Advanced Repair Options

    On the Choose an option screen, click: Troubleshoot > next window click: Advanced Options, and at the next window click: System Restore

    Give System Restore a whirl and let us know what develops.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

 

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