Start Menu issue

eggmayonnaise

GDB2222 said:

You could have an obscure hardware error, but more likely there’s a problem with the windows software. There are various repair tools built in, and you can Google how to run them. Alternatively, now might be a good time to scrub everything off the machine and reinstall windows from a usb stick. 

If the machine is compatible with windows 11, I’d recommend a clean install of that. 

Thank you, GDB2222. I did a clean or cloud reinstall rather than the local one I had done previously tried it seems to have fixed it, it's been problem free for about six weeks, so thanks for the advice to do the clean reisnstall, I'm very grateful

Frozen_up_north

Eggmayonnaise, have you got backup software? Doing a fresh install certainly clears out all the junk we tend to accumulate over time, but it can take ages to re-install programs, and anything else like printers, etc.

For several years I have been using Acronis True Image, recently I fouled up a Win 11 update that resulted in being unable to log onto my PC (my fault) and had to revert to a backup done a few days earlier. While sounding dramatic, the whole restoration took less than 30 minutes. It is only the second time I have needed a full restoration on any of the 3 machines, but it sure is straightforward. My documents are backed up to “the cloud” but that isn’t practical for a full drive backup done every week…

Sicard

Have you run a SFC? Or done a repair install using the DISM command:

Run the DISM command:

• Type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. 

1. • 
     

Other DISM commands:

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth: This command checks for corruption flags in the Windows image but doesn't repair anything. 

This command will scan the Windows image for corruption and attempt to repair it using files from Windows Update. 

3. Wait for the process to complete:

• The process may take some time, and it might appear to be stuck at certain points, but it's important to let it finish. 

If the /RestoreHealth option can't repair the image, you may need to provide a source for repair files using the /Source option.  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth: This command performs a full check of the Windows component store for corruption.