This PC refuses to open

Beardy Fett · 30 Jun 2017

Hi all, first post here for me, I've been using this forum to help me along with my new laptop for learning the basics (my last computer was windows XP!). I've come across an issue I can't find an answer for though. For some reason I can't access the file "this PC". Every time I try, it either does nothing or flashes up as though it's loading the cuts out and I just get my desktop screen. Anyone think of where to start to fix this issue? I don't have the most extensive knowledge of IT but I can follow instruction fairly well! The laptop is an MSI glx 7qf running windows 10. Cheers in advance

AJ

spunk · 30 Jun 2017

Press the Windows key +X choose Command Prompt (Admin)
In the Command Prompt type SFC /scannow and press enter. This will replace any missing system files.
You can also do a System Restore to a time before this happened.
If this still fails, do a Startup Repair: Run Startup Repair in Windows 10 Windows 10 Performance Maintenance Tutorials

dalchina · 30 Jun 2017

Hi, could you clarify that please?

'This PC' isn't a file- it's all of your disks/partitions/folders/files.

1. Where are you trying to access it? - on your desktop? - in file explorer?
2. Are you left or right clicking on it?
3. Have you ever been able to access it?
4. Assuming you could, do you have any idea what might have happened since then?
(Switched PC off.. installed a program.. received an update.....?)
@spunk's suggestion of using System Restore is a good one.. but this is only valid
a. if you ever enabled System Restore (it's off by default in '10)
b. you need to have restore points available
c. sometimes System Restore simply doesn't work (if so please report the error number).

Also please advise which build of Win 10 you are using:
Windows key + R, winver

If none of the above help. please check if the same thing happens in Safe Mode
Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10 Windows 10 Performance Maintenance Tutorials
(e.g. SHIFT + left click Restart, and navigate through the prompts).
Thanks.

Beardy Fett · 30 Jun 2017

Thanks for the quick responses guys. Spunk, cheers but for some reason when I click on command prompt (admin) nothing happens. Unfortunately aso a system restore is out of the question, it's a new laptop so I've not set one up. Dalchina I'll answer best I can: 1. I've tried opening it from file explorer at the side menu 2. Left clicking 3. I've never been able to access it but as it's a new laptop I've never really felt the need til now. Windows 10 build is 14393.1358

spunk · 30 Jun 2017

Your Windows 10 build is way out of date. This is the original build of Two Years ago, This may be a new computer for you, but this is not a New Computer, or it would have the most recent version 1703 (OS Build 15063.413) If it is New as you say, take it back to the place you purchased it and exchange it for something else that works.

Beardy Fett · 30 Jun 2017

Seems odd that an old OS means I can't access a major part of the computer. As I've been using it for a couple weeks I honestly doubt I'll get any sympathy from the seller. Could this problem be fixed at all or am I urinating in the wind?

zbook · 30 Jun 2017

Please use the keyboard for these commands:

1) win + x (simultaneously)
2) a
3) alt + y (simultaneously)
This should open a box with the title Administrative Command Prompt
For these commands please use copy and paste
4) sfc /scannow
5) dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth
6) dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
7) dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
8) chkdsk /scan
When these have completed > right click on the top bar or title bar of the administrative command prompt box > left click on edit then select all > right click on the top bar again > left click on copy > paste into the thread
9) perform windows updates and post any failed KB# and error code into the thread

dalchina · 01 Jul 2017

As it's a new PC, I'd take it back if not too inconvenient. You say you've had problems from day 1- so why should you spend time fixing it?
Windows 10 build is 14393.1358
That's the previous build almost up to date - it's being maintained by MS and is perfectly valid. The new build came out about 3 months ago (15063). Not unreasonable that devices are being sold with that build.

I'd guess you've more issues than you know about, as your responses showed more.

Meanwhile, try following my last suggestion if no improvement after following zbook's sequence above, just to see what happens.

If none of the above help. please check if the same thing happens in Safe Mode
Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10 Windows 10 Performance Maintenance Tutorials
(e.g. SHIFT + left click Restart, and navigate through the prompts).
Thanks.

Noting

when I click on command prompt (admin) nothing happens.

it will be interesting to see if you can use an admin command prompt following zbook's sequence.