Windows 10: Cannot type in Search Box of Windows 10, or use Sticky Notes

This seems to be not uncommon. I did a factory reset of my PC and installed Windows 10 Pro from a recently created USB flash drive - using microsoft's Media Creation Tool, so the Win 10 version is 21H2 from late February 2022.I found the suggestion to run ctfmon.exe in an Administrator Command Prompt window, then it works. But on reboot, often the issue returns.I would like a more permanent solution to this issue - where I cannot type in the Search Box, or on any Sticky Notes- but I can cut & paste to use them. What gives?HELP!!!

:)

 

the sticky note application.

Hi,

Sticky Notes is one of the default programs for Windows 10. Type Sticky Notes in the search box, then press enter. If you are encountering an error opening Sticky Notes, we recommend resetting the application. Follow the steps below:

• Open Settings.
  
• Click Apps, then Apps & features in the left pane.
  
• Locate Sticky Notes, then click Advanced options.
  
• Click Reset.
  

Keep us in the loop with the result.

 

sticky notes

Was this the WIndows 10 Upgrade from WIndows 7, 8 or 8.1?

Check now for a C:\Windows.old folder that is created during an Upgrade. If that folder is found, you can

Show Hidden Files and Folders in Windows 10 and then follow the steps here:

• To backup sticky notes in Windows 10/8.1/8/7:

STEP 1. Type %AppData%\Microsoft\Sticky Notes in the windows.old folder Search box.

STEP 2. Copy StickyNotes.snt to a safe location.

• To restore sticky notes:

STEP 1. Type %AppData%\Microsoft\Sticky Notes in start menu search box or run and press Enter.

STEP 2. Copy the StickyNotes.snt file from your backup folder and paste it in the folder that opens. Agree to overwrite the old file, or delete it first before copying. If it balks then install and use the

Take Ownership Shortcut on the folder so you can replace the .snt file.

If you don't have Windows.old folder, do you have a backup image of your old install which we can help you mount to browse into the old files?

If not then your notes may be lost. In the future use Notepad or Wordpad which can more easily save Files to your Documents, or back up the Sticky Notes file regularly following the above.

 

Can't type in search bar or sticky notes

Hi Helen,

It's quite unusual because based on your description, you have multiple laptops and you can't use the Search and Sticky Notes. In this case, since this is happening on all of your device, then we suggest is that you try to reset the Sticky Notes app. Just
simply go to Settings, select Apps, look for
Sticky Notes under the Apps & features tab, click Sticky Notes to open the
Advanced options, then click Reset.

Now, to troubleshoot the issue with Search, you can run the
Search and Indexing Troubleshooter.

Just follow these steps on how to run the troubleshooter:

• Press Windows key + X, on the keyboard then click
  Control Panel.
• Under the Control Panel tab, click Troubleshooting. If you can't see that option, click on
  View by to change the icons.
• Click on Search and Indexing Troubleshooter, then run the tool.

Let us know the outcome.