Windows Start button not working

I thought that a Skype update started my problems, so I removed it after running  a full system restore I had on an external drive weeks ago.  Since then the latest version of Windows 10 and all the other updates occurred with out major issues. One task bar lock up was fixed by restarting.

AGAIN --- after upgrading Skype today -- right back to critical error on "Start Menu" with never-ending, never-working restart loop.

I was hobbling along on former ID having tried a multitude of suggestions of which something must have worked  ... with a new ID for backup (thank goodness).

Today, I upgraded Skype and am back to "square one" on my old user ID  and the message about "Start Menu". Now I have to use the new user ID or go through all the 4+ suggestions on how to fix the critical error all over again and hope one works.

As others here have mentioned,  users do not have time for this!

Microsoft needs to FIX this problem from re-occurring once and for all.

NOTE: This is what Microsoft Support suggests: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/get-help-windows-start-menu 

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Here are some things you can try if you’re having problems opening the Start menu or Cortana. Note Cortana is only available in certain countries/regions, and some Cortana features might not be available everywhere. If Cortana isn't available or is turned off, you can still usesearch. Hide all Check for updates If you can't open the Start menu or Cortana, follow these steps to check for updates. Press Windows logo key +R, enter ms-settings:, and then press OK. This opens Settings. In Settings, go to Update & security > Windows Update, and then select Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your PC if required. Sign out of your account Some problems can be fixed by signing out of your account and then signing back in. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select Sign out. Once you’ve signed out, sign back in to your account. Create a new local administrator account If you still can’t open the Start menu or Cortana, try creating a new local administrator account to see if you can open the Start menu using that account. Press Windows logo key +R, type ms-settings:, and then press OK. This opens Settings. Select Accounts > Your account > Family & other users (or Other users, if you’re using Windows 10 Enterprise). Under Other users, select Add someone else to this PC. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, and then select Add a user without a Microsoft account. Set a user name, password, and password hint. Then select Next > Finish. Next, make the new account an administrator account. Under Other users, choose the account you created, and then select Change account type. Under Account type, choose Administrator, and then select OK. Sign out of your account and then sign in to your new account. If you can open Cortana or the Start menu, move your personal data and files to the new account. Reset your PC If none of the previous options work, try resetting your PC using Windows 10 recovery options.

The cause of this issue may be somewhat complex.

IF Microsoft researched all users with "Start Menu" issues perhaps a common cause or trend would emerge?

As it is, hardware manufacturers provide support for in-warranty users, and out-of-warranty users are left with finding solutions for themselves.

Noted: Many here in this Microsoft community had issues with the "Start menu" much earlier than me. 

Backgound for three computers (one affected):

My Dell 2013 XPS 2720 i7 desktop is affected but not my 2014 Dell XPS 18  i5 or 2015 Dell 13 2-in-1 i7 (so far, fingers crossed). All three are under warranty; upgraded from W8.1 to W10; set to auto update; and updated from W8.1 to W10 as soon as feasible so that was some time ago. The desktop has had some issues including blue screens, but all were resolvable with Dell Tech Support assistance until the "Start menu" and "Help button/Cortana" issues arose on 1/5/2016.

ASIDE: I keep a log book for each computer so I can reference details of all issues by date.

My loss of "Start menu" functions and a loop to restart started on 1/5/2016 (desktop only).

I found the BT UK page most helpful for suggested solutions: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/has-your-windows-10-start-menu-stopped-working-here-are-four-ways-to-fix-it-11364000314532 

IMPORTANT SUGGESTION: One issue that Microsoft needs to resolve NOW is to bring back error codes.

IF users had error codes, we (and support technicians from other computer companies and service providers) could find help and suggestions on Windows Support.