Program List in Windows has disappeared.

[bapak]

When I first installed Windows, on the far left there was a list of all the Programs that was installed and could click on the program to open. This feature has now disappeared. How to restore?

[Pib]

If you are referring to Win 10, are you saying there is no Windows icon in the lower left hand corner of your screen which if you click on a window will pop open and at the bottom of that window you don't see a menu selection named "All Apps" which if you click on then shows all your programs."

[bapak]

The Windows Icon is there but when you click on it, nothing happens.

[lostinisaan]

Did you create a bootable CD? Have you tried to boot in safemode? Is it backed up on another drive?

BTW, you didn't even say what system you're on about. Bigger women wear different clothes, don't you think so?

[Matej]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Microsoft.

It seems like cortana stopped working. Ctl+Shift+Esc in background processes you should see sth called cortana. If not, start it again or restart PC.

Hope it helps.

Good luck

[Matej]

multiple quotes

Edited November 3, 2015 by Matej

[bapak]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Microsoft.

It seems like cortana stopped working. Ctl+Shift+Esc in background processes you should see sth called cortana. If not, start it again or restart PC.

Hope it helps.

Good luck

No sign of Cortana. Have rebooted.

[Pib]

This link seems to address your issue.

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/start-menu-does-not-open-windows-10

[RichCor]

Can you verify what version of Windows you're using?

Windows 10 is still a work in progress.

I have been tracking an issue on my laptop where Windows 10 would fail to load the desktop (black screen with mouse pointer only), or desktop would displays but TaskBar or TaskTray items won't launch. On my laptop the issue turned out to be a single RegEdit value that contained an error code, causing the system to error on bootup.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon ShutdownFlags (RegDWORD): 8000002b

Normally this entry contains a low value. After scouring tech sites, and on a lark, I reset this value to '5', my laptop has been booting normally ever since.

A normal shutdown sequence will sometimes write files that will assist the OS to fastboot on the next startup, and a bad shutdown sequence (like a power fail or forced shutdown) will play havoc with this process. Luckily for me I just needed to remove the error shutdown flag value.

Microsoft Answers also suggests you verify your OS System

Windows 10 Apps and Settings won't launch

Let's try these and check if it helps.

1. Open the Task manager by pressing CTRL+Shift+ESC.

2. Click File > Run New Task.

3. Make sure you have a check mark beside “Create this task with administrative privileges.”

4. Type CMD.

5. Type (or copy/paste) the following 4 commands at the CMD prompt:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

sfc /scannow

powershell

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

6. Close the CMD window

7. Check to see if the issue is resolved. If not, restart the PC.

[lostinisaan]

Can you verify what version of Windows you're using?

Windows 10 is still a work in progress.

I have been tracking an issue on my laptop where Windows 10 would fail to load the desktop (black screen with mouse pointer only), or desktop would displays but TaskBar or TaskTray items won't launch. On my laptop the issue turned out to be a single RegEdit value that contained an error code, causing the system to error on bootup.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon ShutdownFlags (RegDWORD): 8000002b

Normally this entry contains a low value. After scouring tech sites, and on a lark, I reset this value to '5', my laptop has been booting normally ever since.

A normal shutdown sequence will sometimes write files that will assist the OS to fastboot on the next startup, and a bad shutdown sequence (like a power fail or forced shutdown) will play havoc with this process. Luckily for me I just needed to remove the error shutdown flag value.

Microsoft Answers also suggests you verify your OS System

Windows 10 Apps and Settings won't launch

Let's try these and check if it helps.

1. Open the Task manager by pressing CTRL+Shift+ESC.

2. Click File > Run New Task.

3. Make sure you have a check mark beside “Create this task with administrative privileges.”

4. Type CMD.

5. Type (or copy/paste) the following 4 commands at the CMD prompt:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

sfc /scannow

powershell

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

6. Close the CMD window

7. Check to see if the issue is resolved. If not, restart the PC.

Sorry, pressing CTRL + Shift + ESC shows exactly the same as when pressing the Windows sign. I'm running Windows 10 Pro.

I'd try the link you've posted, seems to work well.

Method 1:DISM

Try the following steps to run DISM scan to check and restore system file corruption:

• Open command prompt by pressing Windows key + X and selecting “Command prompt admin”.
• In command prompt, type the following commands and press Enter after each command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth etc..please see link. http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-update/windows-10-apps-and-settings-wont-launch/d577a6ea-fe40-48e0-b973-032732bcdb96?auth=1

P.S. Another way would be to press CTRL+ ALT + DEL to get to your Task Manager. Then go to settings and hit Enter. That should do the trick.

Please see: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/has-your-windows-10-start-menu-stopped-working-here-are-four-ways-to-fix-it-11364000314532

But I don't think that this is working at Windows 7. The OP didn't even say what system he's got.

It's ALWAYS useful to create a simple startup repair disk, considering that Windows 10 is relatively new and there might be some more issues soon.

Edited November 3, 2015 by lostinisaan

[Pib]

Pressing Cntl-Shift-Esc works as advertised as it directly opens the Task Manager. Pressing the Windows sign just opens the Start menu. I'm running Win10 Pro also.

Edited November 3, 2015 by Pib

[lostinisaan]

Pressing Cntl-Shift-Esc works as advertised as it directly opens the Task Manager. Pressing the Windows sign just opens the Start menu. I'm running Win10 Pro also.

I have to apologize. I pressed CTRL + TAB + ESC which shows me the start menu. Exactly what the OP's missing.

Sorry, had a long day behind me Pretty much confusing all the keyboard commands.......

Did the OP try that one???

Edited November 3, 2015 by lostinisaan

[Pib]

Heck, I've never used Cntl-Shift-Esc before to "directly" access Task Manager until I read Richcor's post....I always went the Cntl-Alt-Delete route and then selected Task Manager. Preaching to the choir in saying there are various ways to get to the same desired location in Windows menus/settings. I'm jealous of folks who know the shortcuts like just typing a command in the Run box and it gets them immediately to a spot in Windows that might take me multiple steps and 30 (or more) seconds to reach if I happen to remember the way to get there. Many times I've forgot the specific way to get there and end-up stumbling around in Windows menus for minutes trying to hack my way through the Windows menus jungle to get to where I want to get.

[lostinisaan]

Heck, I've never used Cntl-Shift-Esc before to "directly" access Task Manager until I read Richcor's post....I always went the Cntl-Alt-Delete route and then selected Task Manager. Preaching to the choir in saying there are various ways to get to the same desired location in Windows menus/settings. I'm jealous of folks who know the shortcuts like just typing a command in the Run box and it gets them immediately to a spot in Windows that might take me multiple steps and 30 (or more) seconds to reach if I happen to remember the way to get there. Many times I've forgot the specific way to get there and end-up stumbling around in Windows menus for minutes trying to hack my way through the Windows menus jungle to get to where I want to get.

Sounds very familiar to me....

Before reading this thread, I right clicked "my computer", then manage to get to device manager. And that after using computers for such a long time.

Knowing at least some commands makes it so much easier and faster. I might print some commands out, stick them near the monitor to "learn" and hopefully remember some commands.

Did the OP get "back to normal" yet?

[bapak]

Can you verify what version of Windows you're using?

Windows 10 is still a work in progress.

I have been tracking an issue on my laptop where Windows 10 would fail to load the desktop (black screen with mouse pointer only), or desktop would displays but TaskBar or TaskTray items won't launch. On my laptop the issue turned out to be a single RegEdit value that contained an error code, causing the system to error on bootup.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon ShutdownFlags (RegDWORD): 8000002b

Normally this entry contains a low value. After scouring tech sites, and on a lark, I reset this value to '5', my laptop has been booting normally ever since.

A normal shutdown sequence will sometimes write files that will assist the OS to fastboot on the next startup, and a bad shutdown sequence (like a power fail or forced shutdown) will play havoc with this process. Luckily for me I just needed to remove the error shutdown flag value.

Microsoft Answers also suggests you verify your OS System

Windows 10 Apps and Settings won't launch

Let's try these and check if it helps.

1. Open the Task manager by pressing CTRL+Shift+ESC.

2. Click File > Run New Task.

3. Make sure you have a check mark beside “Create this task with administrative privileges.”

4. Type CMD.

5. Type (or copy/paste) the following 4 commands at the CMD prompt:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

sfc /scannow

powershell

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

6. Close the CMD window

7. Check to see if the issue is resolved. If not, restart the PC.

Using Windows 10 Pro

Have tried the above... with the result as per attachment.

Have run sfc/scannow by itself. No negative report.

[bapak]

Heck, I've never used Cntl-Shift-Esc before to "directly" access Task Manager until I read Richcor's post....I always went the Cntl-Alt-Delete route and then selected Task Manager. Preaching to the choir in saying there are various ways to get to the same desired location in Windows menus/settings. I'm jealous of folks who know the shortcuts like just typing a command in the Run box and it gets them immediately to a spot in Windows that might take me multiple steps and 30 (or more) seconds to reach if I happen to remember the way to get there. Many times I've forgot the specific way to get there and end-up stumbling around in Windows menus for minutes trying to hack my way through the Windows menus jungle to get to where I want to get.

Sounds very familiar to me....

Before reading this thread, I right clicked "my computer", then manage to get to device manager. And that after using computers for such a long time.

Knowing at least some commands makes it so much easier and faster. I might print some commands out, stick them near the monitor to "learn" and hopefully remember some commands.

Did the OP get "back to normal" yet?

No.. See #15 above.

[RichCor]

Are you sure you're running an 'elevated' PowerShell (Run as Administrator)?

EDIT: The error you're encountering could be due to permissions on your login account.

Windows 10 - Some metro apps not working (page 8)

Microsoft Answers | Community Forum | Windows 10

see the post by (JU) JulesST replied on August 14, 2015

to verify or set your working login account with administrator privileges

Also, what value did RegEdit have for ShutdownFlags (RegDWORD)?

Edited November 4, 2015 by RichCor

[lostinisaan]

Can you verify what version of Windows you're using?

Windows 10 is still a work in progress.

I have been tracking an issue on my laptop where Windows 10 would fail to load the desktop (black screen with mouse pointer only), or desktop would displays but TaskBar or TaskTray items won't launch. On my laptop the issue turned out to be a single RegEdit value that contained an error code, causing the system to error on bootup.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon ShutdownFlags (RegDWORD): 8000002b

Normally this entry contains a low value. After scouring tech sites, and on a lark, I reset this value to '5', my laptop has been booting normally ever since.

A normal shutdown sequence will sometimes write files that will assist the OS to fastboot on the next startup, and a bad shutdown sequence (like a power fail or forced shutdown) will play havoc with this process. Luckily for me I just needed to remove the error shutdown flag value.

Microsoft Answers also suggests you verify your OS System

Windows 10 Apps and Settings won't launch

Let's try these and check if it helps.

1. Open the Task manager by pressing CTRL+Shift+ESC.

2. Click File > Run New Task.

3. Make sure you have a check mark beside “Create this task with administrative privileges.”

4. Type CMD.

5. Type (or copy/paste) the following 4 commands at the CMD prompt:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

sfc /scannow

powershell

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

6. Close the CMD window

7. Check to see if the issue is resolved. If not, restart the PC.

Using Windows 10 Pro

Have tried the above... with the result as per attachment.

Have run sfc/scannow by itself. No negative report.

Looks like a very negative report. I mean the parts in red do not look kosher to me. Have you even tried CTRL.+ TAB + ESC?

So many ways lead to Rome and as the specialist already mentioned, it doesn't look like you were the administrator,

Without this right, you can't do such changes. Did you download a fishy program before that happened?

Can't you just create a bootable CD then once in Windows trying to do a system restore?

Edited November 4, 2015 by lostinisaan

[MJKT2014]

Heck, I've never used Cntl-Shift-Esc before to "directly" access Task Manager until I read Richcor's post....I always went the Cntl-Alt-Delete route and then selected Task Manager. Preaching to the choir in saying there are various ways to get to the same desired location in Windows menus/settings. I'm jealous of folks who know the shortcuts like just typing a command in the Run box and it gets them immediately to a spot in Windows that might take me multiple steps and 30 (or more) seconds to reach if I happen to remember the way to get there. Many times I've forgot the specific way to get there and end-up stumbling around in Windows menus for minutes trying to hack my way through the Windows menus jungle to get to where I want to get.

Too many keys to press for me. I just single click on the system settings skin in Rainmeter app.

[bapak]

Apologies for late response. Had urgent business elsewhere.

Thanks for all the above suggestions, which I tried + other items I found on Internet.

I finally "bit the bullet" and reinstated Window 10.

[lostinisaan]

Heck, I've never used Cntl-Shift-Esc before to "directly" access Task Manager until I read Richcor's post....I always went the Cntl-Alt-Delete route and then selected Task Manager. Preaching to the choir in saying there are various ways to get to the same desired location in Windows menus/settings. I'm jealous of folks who know the shortcuts like just typing a command in the Run box and it gets them immediately to a spot in Windows that might take me multiple steps and 30 (or more) seconds to reach if I happen to remember the way to get there. Many times I've forgot the specific way to get there and end-up stumbling around in Windows menus for minutes trying to hack my way through the Windows menus jungle to get to where I want to get.

Too many keys to press for me. I just single click on the system settings skin in Rainmeter app.

Rainman.