Startup Menu Fatal Error Message (And TaskBar Search/Windows 10 Icon)

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  1. Posts : 25
    Windows 10 Pro Version 1909 (installed over Windows 7 Pro
       #1

    Startup Menu Fatal Error Message (And TaskBar Search/Windows 10 Icon)


    Hello,

    Re: Startup Menu does not work, get a pop up "Fatal Error"…. Restarting did not solve the problem... and also going to Control Panel.

    Task Bar “Type here to search” and mouse over “the Windows Icon” does not work. (however, if I right click on the windows Icon I can see the pop up menu (to close, power off, restart etc). Clicking on Restart It will then bring the screen to the original Windows Screen (clock etc) and when I click of Owner Sign In (no sign in with any name password) it brings back my original Desktop Screen which I prefer it to open into and with Icons).

    Background First- downloaded Windows 10 Pro over my Windows 7 Pro two days ago and it worked great. I also, did a backup and image disc using the basic Windows 7 Pro feature (and did not use Macrium software) (or a Clean Install of Windows 10). Further, I did a try a restore backup since the clickable said Windows 7 ???... So not sure if the backup was for Windows 10?? (and reluctant to use it now).

    Further, I tweaked the new Windows 10 with a screen saver from MS store. Used TotalAV (antivirus software), for removal of Junk Files and also disabled Start Manager (4 programs). Using AOL Computer Checkup, removal (files) Disc cleaner and disabled Start Programs. And, used Registry Optimizer and then used Registry Cleaner… it shows four missing files in the REGISTRY (See the attachments); but two are just photo panoramas (not important).. and two Context Menu ???
    Please see the enclosed attachments!

    I had Googled and tried various articles/commentary on resolving this problem, and have not been successful in solving the problem.

    Any help will be very much appreciated,

    Sy S.

    P.S. Windows 10 Pro x64bit Version 1909 (built 18363.592)
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Startup Menu Fatal Error Message (And TaskBar Search/Windows 10 Icon)-registry-files-missing-1-25-20.jpg   Startup Menu Fatal Error Message (And TaskBar Search/Windows 10 Icon)-totalav-start-manager.jpg   Startup Menu Fatal Error Message (And TaskBar Search/Windows 10 Icon)-aol-checkup-startmenu.jpg  
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 42,984
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    Hi, it's great you've attempted to protect your PC using imaging; if you are lucky, you may be able to restore that image.

    Windows 7 Backup and Restore is a purely legacy feature, not maintained, and not recommended- even by MS. MS recommends the use of 3rd party programs e.g. Macrium Reflect which you might have noticed is featured time and again here.

    Unfortunately the damage done seems very much of your own making. Your first option is to try to use the image you have; if restoring that fails, I'm afraid you won't get support for that deprecated feature here.

    No-no's are: registry cleaners and random tweak tools and cleaners. Do not. Certain cleaners used appropriately for junk files are ok.

    downloaded Windows 10 Pro over my Windows 7 Pro
    I have no idea what that means. Do you mean you upgraded to Win 10? Via Windows update? Using the MS media creation tool to download an iso and then upgrade?

    If you cannot restore your image, and if you see the same basic problems if you create a new user for test purposes and log in as that user is an in-place upgrade repair install which keeps all progs and data. In your case if you downloaded a 1909 iso file, you can use that. Tutorial available.

    Do note 1909 introduced a nice set of widely reported bugs in file explorer search when MS changed this. 1903 was/is fine.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 25
    Windows 10 Pro Version 1909 (installed over Windows 7 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hello Dalchina, thanks for your help and post.

    First, I wanted to correct my initial post but could not find the area/or how to do that? The Subject Title should have been ‘Startup Menu’ “Critical Error” Message (And Taskbar Search/Windows 10 Icon).’

    Second, my PC was using Window 7 Pro and since the MS support had terminated I downloaded to my PC Windows 10 Pro; It all worked fine after this download. Unfortunately, I did not use the Michium software backup but felt that the basic Windows 7 Pro backup feature would be alright. However, I did not really know that it was not the best way to go prior to the download (by using the URL suggested in my initial post (Within the “Installation and Upgrade” forum area) and reading/using the Tutorial.

    Third, I did not know that by using my AOL Computer Checkup and TotalAV software for Registry cleaning would be a major problem. In the past I was successful using this with Windows 7 Pro (and also CC Cleaner way back when). And now I know it is alright for removing junk files only.

    Fourth, I will try to use the Windows 7 Pro backup feature (restore previous backups) and DVD disc I have for System Repair and Image. And might try to create a “new user” for test purposes… as you wrote about. If all the above does not work, I might just re-install/download Windows 10 Pro (again) from the URL like I had initially done. And do not think using Michium will help now for a backup at this point in time.

    Fifth, I had disconnected all three of my external hard drives devices prior to downloading and the installation of Windows 10 Pro.. so I did not lose any of my data/photos etc. Then connected all three external hard drives after the installation.

    Again thank you very much for posting.

    Sy S

    - - - Updated - - -

    Hello Dal,

    1) I decided to put the Reboot Windows Disc in my DVD drive and it did not work. I then restarted my computer and pressed F12 to get into the DOS Reboot. Then I was able to have the files uploaded from the disc. Next I clicked on System Setup and it opened. Nothing happened when I closed. So I started again and this time I clicked on Reset Default setting. It then opened a Pop Up screen which was in Russian?? I tried various clickables but nothing happened. Tried many times and with no success. But finally after about 30 times, clicked on SATA SSD and it opened into my Windows 10 screen. However, the Start Menu/Search area did not work. But everything else did and I was able to use my AOL email and other URLs to the Internet (like Google Search, Yahoo mail). Also, I did not see any Image File (on the Reboot Disc?). I then Powered Off, waited a few minutes and started my computer again, but had to go to SATA SSD.

    2) Now I decided to take a change and use the Backup and Restore Windows 7. My backup files are on my Data external Hard Drive and reluctant to use it, because of losing my DATA. However, I took a chance and clicked on a previous Backup Date and “C” Drive folder. It started to restore. But I got cold feed and cancelled the restore! However, when I went to the Windows 10 screen, the STARTUP/SEARCH area worked!!! I guess from that short restore, it corrected this problem.

    3) Next I Powered Off, waited a while and restarted my computer, however, I had to again click on F12 and click on SATA SSD which opened Windows 10 Desktop. But again lost the STARTUP/SEARCH feature.

    4) Sometimes when restarting I get the small tiny lighted up blinking?(If I recall) curser area (upper left of screen) for DOS and could not even type anything… maybe some DOS command? And again had to click on SAT SSD to get back into Windows 10.

    5) It looks like I will have to take my computer and go to a local computer retail location and have them install Windows 10.

    Any additional comments, would be great…thanks again.

    Sy S
    Metro NYC
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 42,984
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #4

    Here's what I suggest.

    1. Do the very simplest uncomplicated thing you can. Get a big USB disk or disks, and BACK UP all your personal data, program licenses, favourites, emails (if you use an email client) etc.

    If you take your PC anywhere else you can run the risk of losing data, depending on their professionalism.

    2. Having done that, consider doing a clean install. You can do that for free. Tutorial available.
    You will then have to set up everything again and reinstall all your programs. That will give you a working PC.

    3. Otherwise, as I said above, you can try doing an in-place upgrade repair install.

    That means getting a (free) iso file from MS - use the MS media creation tool, run that and download the iso file.

    Then (tutorial available):
    Right click the iso file
    Click 'Mount'
    Open the new drive letter in file explorer
    Double click setup.exe
    Follow the prompts.

    This will refresh all Windows system files, set services to default. All your data and programs remain intact.

    Always advised before any major change, and strongly advised to be used routinely by tenforums members: disk imaging so you have a backup you can use to restore Windows and any disk imaged to a previous good state.

    Given your history and approach to using a PC this is essential so you don't get into this position again.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 25
    Windows 10 Pro Version 1909 (installed over Windows 7 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Good Monday Morning Dal (NYC Time),

    Briefly, I have already copied important information to external hard drives as you suggested. For the various licenses I do not know where they are, but did find them using Belarc and printed them out and a copy onto a MS document.

    I will try a clean install as suggested, as opposed to trying an "in-place upgrade repair install". I need to do this eventually and might as well do that now. Then if successful and my computer works.. will do a Michium Backup (Highly suggested).
    Aside- I hope this eliminates the DOS prompt blinking curor which I see in the past when I try to power on (then I need to use F12 reboot menu and click on SATA SDD to open up my Windows 10 desktop).

    Yes I received some good advice in the past from the Windows 7/Windows 10 Forums.. Thanks to all!

    Further, I had a Reboot Disc (2 copies) but it only was in Russian? (used when I pressed F12 reboot menu) and did not see any disk image file, etc. I think I will try to make still another one and hope it is not corrupted?

    Aside #2- Wishing you and others a Healthy and Happy Chinese Lunar New Year!

    Sy S
    Metro NYC
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 42,984
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #6

    xin nian kuai le! Hope it works out well.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 25
    Windows 10 Pro Version 1909 (installed over Windows 7 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Hello,

    I decided not to try a "Clean Install" of my computer at this time... quite involved and need to re-install programs. Second,
    I also put off trying "an in-place upgrade repair install" Because I have almost solved my problems...! Read below:

    I was successful in installing Windows 10 (previously I was using Windows 7). For the most part it worked alright. Except a few things, like the Search Box , Notifications and Calculator. However, by going to "run-services.msc" it solved these problems>> “Start Application Identity Service.|

    Googling >>>Another fix for the The Start Menu Does Not Work problem is:
    a) Right-click at Start and click RUN
    b) type SERVICES.MSC and press the enter key
    c) right click on APPLICATION IDENTITY and select START
    d) Be happy… a reboot is not required<<

    However, when I double click on the “Application Identity” area it works on “Manual” (startup type), not on :Automatic or Automatic (on start up).
    Q#1:- How do I change this? Do I need to be in Administration Edit?
    Q#2: How do I access Administration for Editing? And will that solve my problem.

    The second big problem, is when I power up my computer in goes into the DOS blinking cursor on the upper left side. So I have to start again (or click Ctrl Alt Del) and then press F12 to the “One time reboot menu”. Then I press F12 key ‘One time reboot menu,’ then click on SATA SSD to open Windows 10. ( Aside- In the past I had a problem with my reboot disc (it opened into a Russian Language Screen..?). So could not use the Disc.)
    Q#3: How can I start up my computer normally and go into Windows 10?
    Q#4: How can I make a copy of the reboot system image disc? And also the Tools Repair Feature/software (forgot the exact name)?

    Sy S
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 42,984
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #8

    I am surprised you are seeing so many issues. This should not be so if you upgraded normally from Win 7 and your PC was configured correctly.

    The second big problem, is when I power up my computer in goes into the DOS blinking cursor on the upper left side. So I have to start again (or click Ctrl Alt Del) and then press F12 to the “One time reboot menu”. Then I press F12 key ‘One time reboot menu,’ then click on SATA SSD to open Windows 10. ( Aside- In the past I had a problem with my reboot disc (it opened into a Russian Language Screen..?). So could not use the Disc.)
    Q#3: How can I start up my computer normally and go into Windows 10?
    Try either or both of:
    a. Boot PC from win 10 bootable install medium, click 'Repair your computer' and navigate to 'Startup Repair'
    or
    b. - more complete- Boot from Macrium Reflect bootable medium (or Kyhi's boot disk and run Macrium reflect) and use the Fixboot utility.

    Q#4: How can I make a copy of the reboot system image disc? And also the Tools Repair Feature/software (forgot the exact name)?
    Sorry, I don't recognise these.

    Q#1:- How do I change this? Do I need to be in Administration Edit?
    Q#2: How do I access Administration for Editing? And will that solve my problem.
    Administration Edit?
    - nor do I know what this is. Do you mean running with admin rights or logged in as an administrator?

    This is the state of the service you mention on mine:
    Startup Menu Fatal Error Message (And TaskBar Search/Windows 10 Icon)-1.png
    Last edited by dalchina; 16 Feb 2020 at 12:04.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 25
    Windows 10 Pro Version 1909 (installed over Windows 7 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Update as of 2-16-20

    I have solved some problems, now I can see and use the Search Box, Notifications, Calculator. See below..

    I downloaded create Windows 10 Installation media (download Media Creation Tool 1909). It took about 10 hours and I see a backup was created… However, when I tried to use the CD/DVD drive for create a Bootable Dish.. I could not. I see the green area which shows data was going to the CD/DVD (Used a blank disc), but it did not work… window closed (and a blank no data on the disc).
    Q:1A – How do I create a Bootable Disc? Maybe I need to run as Administrator, Q:2A How do I do this?
    Q:1B- How do I view the "Creation Repair Tool” and use?

    Further, I also received a notification and updated/uploaded Windows 10 files. which I did. It also closed the computer for re-starting for all the files to go into my ‘C” drive. However, each time I had to manually click on “One time menu boot” and go to SATA SSD to get back into Windows 10 desktop.

    Further, I still have the problem when I turn on my computer and a black screen with the cursor in the upper left side (can not type any commands). I then need to turn off the computer or click on Ctr-Alt-Del and then click on F12 to see the “One Time Menu Boot”, click on SATA SSD etc. and then into Windows 10 Desktop (and able to use the computer).
    Q:1C- How do I solve this startup problem and have the computer normally open up into the Desktop.

    Further, there are many "Startup" solutions on the Internet but do not know which one might work to solve my problem. Also, I can go to “Run” type in “PROMPT” and then can use/type with a DOS command? I do not know what to type, etc?

    Again any help… will be appreciated,

    Sy
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 42,984
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #10

    Let's just try to deal with one. Normally people don't have problems creating a bootable Win 10 installation medium.

    I downloaded create Windows 10 Installation media (download Media Creation Tool 1909). It took about 10 hours and I see a backup was created… However, when I tried to use the CD/DVD drive for create a Bootable Dish.. I could not. I see the green area which shows data was going to the CD/DVD (Used a blank disc), but it did not work… window closed (and a blank no data on the disc).
    Q:1A – How do I create a Bootable Disc? Maybe I need to run as Administrator, Q:2A How do I do this?
    Please follow this tutorial to create a bootable flash drive:
    Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10

    If you prefer a DVD see e.g.
    YouTube

    You can also download the iso file and burn that to a DVD yourself.

    To boot from an external medium you will need to change boot priority (what the PC looks for first to boot from) in your BIOS.

    The download will be over 4Gb, so if you have a very restricted connection, you might wish to try somewhere that is faster.

    Bear in mind that any Windows upgrade (has been 6 monthly, seems to be moving to annual for the major ones) will be this large.
      My Computers


 

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