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
    2014-01-12T02:48:16+00:00

    I got the machine back up (CMOS battery r&r go figure), But I'm still storeless ... answers to your questions

    1. What is the exact model of the Dell computer?

    It is an inspiron 660

    1. Did you try installing any new software on the computer?

    World of Warcraft and Malwarebytes (v1.75.0.1300)

    1. Have you updated all the device drivers to Windows 8 version?

    All available updates from the MS update site (except Bing toolbar) have been installed

    1. Are you facing issues with Windows Store and apps only or also with PC settings?

    The issues are with the store and apps only, the PC setting are accessible

    1. Do you receive any error codes or messages?

    "Your purchase couldn't be completed.

    Something happened and your purchase can't be completed.  Error code 0x80070002"

    I had not tried getting WIN7 drivers from the Dell site,  I didn't think that that would be necessary since it was a new machine, but I will check into that.

    Thanks,

    Jayelham

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-01-11T07:51:48+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you for the updates.

    1. What is the exact model of the Dell computer?
    2. Did you try installing any new software on the computer?
    3. Have you updated all the device drivers to Windows 8 version?
    4. Are you facing issues with Windows Store and apps only or also with PC settings?
    5. Do you receive any error codes or messages?

    The steps provided were to perform clean boot.

    If you are facing any issues after performing clean boot, you may refer to the section “How to reset the computer to start as usual after clean boot troubleshooting” to boot the system in normal start up.

    How to perform a clean boot in Windows

    You may also try the following steps and check.

    Method 1:

    You may try running the Windows Updates and install all the available updates including the optional driver and software updates and check.

    Windows Update: Frequently Asked Questions

    You may also refer to Dell support website and install the Windows 7 version of chipset, graphic card and other device drivers and check.

    Method 2:

    You may try to reset Windows app Store and check if it helps.

    Follow the steps to clear Windows Store cache memory:

    a. On the desktop screen, press Windows and R key to open run box.

    b. Type WSReset.exe and hit Enter.

    c. Restart the computer and check.

    Method 3:

    You may also refer to the article and check:

    Troubleshoot problems with an app

    Hope the information helps. Let us know if you need further assistance with Windows related issues. We will be happy to help.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-01T18:10:16+00:00

    I too was having problems with my new (3 day old) Dell I660.  I found your reply and followed the advice that you gave...after step1f, my machine is basically bricked. :(  Any further advice or suggestions?

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-19T21:37:58+00:00

    Thanks for this Matt.

    I thought it was me!

    Yes to the hangs... particularly with notepad.

    Even had that glitch on the Start button referred to earlier.

    I have installed a few programs over the last two weeks and so I am relunctant to go back to a restore point , so I've spent time running at least 4 anti-virus and anti-malware checks. All negative.

    Completely off the wall idea and I dont think it's relevent but I have the OS on an SSD drive, and most data on a HDD, .

    I run McAfee 2013 and occasionally check things with MalwareBytes. These have not troubled me in the last 7 years though

    Maybe an update might fix things..     :-)

    Thanks for raising this

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  5. Anonymous
    2013-11-18T00:38:00+00:00

    hi the same thing happened to me and i had to do a system restore and my start button works again now i just have to figure out which of the updates caused this problem hope this helps

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