Windows 8 Start Screen and Apps Not Responding

Anonymous
2012-11-17T18:46:01+00:00

I upgraded to Windows 8 Pro on its release date.  It had been working fine for me until yesterday (11/16/2012).  Suddenly, I can't get the Start screen to respond.  I'm unable to launch apps, access the Charms bar, etc.  By pressing WinKey + D multiple times, I am able to get the Desktop to load.  Once loaded, the Desktop seems OK though I can't access Charms from it either.  

I tried the Apps Troubleshooter from http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=271185, but it didn't find any problems.  Also, my screen resolution is above 1024 x 768, my video driver is current (I checked for updates via Device Manager), I do NOT have UAC disabled, and I'm logged into my own account (which is linked to my Microsoft account).  Also, I do not have a 3rd party AV/security product installed, just Defender.

In Event Viewer, I do see repeated errors from Time Broker (listed as TimeBroker.exe or  svchost.exe_TimeBroker).  The error message reads, "The Time Broker service terminated unexpectedly."  That didn't seem to be a problem until yesterday, but I don't know what to do about it.

I would appreciate any suggestions or advice.k

Matt

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-01-01T16:10:59+00:00
    1. After modifying the Windows registry and finishing reboot, make sure your TimeBroker is really in the state of "disabled".

    Bruce Wentz Wu

     

     

     

    So, can you please include step-by-step instructions for disabling TimeBroker in the Windows Registry?  I've called myself trying, but can't seem to do so.

    hope the following link will help:

    http://nlabs.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/timebroker-kills-the-metromodern-ui/

    • Press the shortcut combination: Windows key + R, type in “cmd” and click OK.
    • In the command window, type in “regedit” and hit enter
    • Search and navigate to the registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TimeBroker

    • Modify the “Start” value to “4″ (4 for disabled; 3 for manual).
    • Reboot the system and the Start Screen should work normally for you to uninstall Apps.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-01-01T15:37:54+00:00
    1. After modifying the Windows registry and finishing reboot, make sure your TimeBroker is really in the state of "disabled".

    Bruce Wentz Wu

     

     

     

    So, can you please include step-by-step instructions for disabling TimeBroker in the Windows Registry?  I've called myself trying, but can't seem to do so.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-12-31T19:08:59+00:00

    I have tied several solutions that were recommended, including yours, and my Windows 8 Pro just stops in almost every app and says (Not Responding) then continues on. Just typing you this message it will stop and wait then continue.

     

    Does not matter if I am online or using Outlook 2010. I have to wait for 5 - 15 seconds and continue.

     

    Lacey Aaron,

    643637

    Hi, Mr. Aaron,

    I suggest you define the problem you have first. The problem I stated should generate an error in the Windows Application Log as follows:

    Log Name: Application

    Source: Application Error

    Event ID: 1000

    Level: Error

    Keywords: Classic

    Description:

    Faulting application name: svchost.exe_TimeBroker, version: 6.2.9200.16420, time stamp: 0x505a9a4e

    Faulting module name: KERNELBASE.dll, version: 6.2.9200.16451, time stamp: 0x50988aa6

    If so, the root cause should come from TimeBroker-related apps. It is effective to disable the TimeBroker service and uninstall TimeBroker-related apps only if your problem comes from it.

    Kindly please:

    1. check the Windows Application log to make suer your problem is caused by TimeBroker-related apps.
    2. After modifying the Windows registry and finishing reboot, make sure your TimeBroker is really in the state of "disabled".

    If your TimeBroker service has been disabled and the problem remains, there must be another cause and the solution I shared will not work. Hope this will help.

    Bruce Wentz Wu

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-12-31T16:55:26+00:00

    I have tied several solutions that were recommended, including yours, and my Windows 8 Pro just stops in almost every app and says (Not Responding) then continues on. Just typing you this message it will stop and wait then continue.

    Does not matter if I am online or using Outlook 2010. I have to wait for 5 - 15 seconds and continue.

    Lacey Aaron,

    643637

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  5. Anonymous
    2012-12-20T16:31:50+00:00

    It works and recovers my Windows 8, thanks a lot.

    This post explains how to remove apps using PowerShell.

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