Windows 10: Windows 10 Issues: Start button, task bar, apps don't open

Hello everyone!


Barely a month since we purchased a desktop PC we are encountering a host of problems. Mind you, I am a regular user with no computing background, but I can follow instructions and understand how to run certain commands via Run and Task Manager. That's it.


1. Start button not working, and so's most of the icons on the taskbar. Good thing explorer still works, but quite pointless as issue #4.

2. Windows keyboard key only works with [R]; I can't use other shortcuts. So I can't access Settings.

3. Explorer.exe error: Class not registered

4. Other installed apps not working, or at least, not opening.

5. The only thing useful now is Chrome.

6. I am not even sure if Defender is working, I can't click on it. I have also "Quit" Maywarebytes from the task bar, but now I can't seem to find the program except for a window offering its premium free trial.

7. I have updated Windows 10 via a link on the Microsoft website since I can't open Settings. The update window looks blank, just saying "Thank you for updating" or something, no details and such.


I have run DISM, sf scan, restacked indexes, restarted Windows Explorer, and a host of other remedies I have found on message boards and other articles. So far, the problem seems to be corrupted files that can't be fixed:


[l:7]'tdh.dll' of Microsoft-Windows-CoreSystem-TraceDataHelper

[l:8]'DAMM.dll' of Microsoft-Windows-DirectAccess-MediaManager

\??\C:\Windows\System32\\DAMM.dll; source file in store is also corrupted


I am quite intimidated to "take down" these files because I am not even sure the correct prompt to do this; I have seen the guide, but how the string begins and ends is quite confusing.


Resetting the PC is my last resort because I have saved files in a program that is not even running now.


It sucks to encounter a major issue like this on a one-month old machine. I hope this gets addressed soon because from what I gather, this seems to be happening to many PCs.


Anyway, I hope a solution works and would appreciate recommendations soon. Thank you.

:)

 

Start button and other icons in task bar will not open


I downloaded Windows 10 several hours ago. Nothing in the lower task bar will open. When I left click on the start button, nothing happen. When I right click, I get a menu but nothing will open. When I click in the "Search" area, no cursor appears. I don't know how to get to my pictures or documents.

Why is my start button (or anything else in lower task bar) not working?

Also - I use Avast security protection. Since I downloaded Windows 10, my firewall is turned off with Avast. I clicked a button to turn it on, but I am not being allowed to do so. Do I need to change something in the Windows 10 settings. First I need to learn how to pull up the settings since the start button is not working.

Thanks.

 

Windows 10 Start button, task bar menu and swipe does not work

Hi,



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.



I understand your concern and will assist you to resolve this issue.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

Step1: End Task the Windows Explorer.

• 
  Open task manager (CRTL+SHIFT+ESC)
  
• 
  Right-click on windows explorer
  
• 
  End task (Note: don’t close Task manager)
  
• 
  Click on File > Run new task
  
• 
  Type explorer.exe and press enter
  
• 
  Your search bar should be functional again.
  

Step 2: If Start button is not working then I suggest you to check for the latest 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.
  

Step 3: 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.

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help.

 

Windows 10 Defender - How to make it default to task bar?

Using Windows 10 and currently I am using Defender for anti virus. For whatever reason Windows Defender does not show up in the task bar unless I search for the program or right click and scan a file/folder. Is there a way to force Defender to show up in the task bar at start up?