Something is broken. Won't load properly, won't restart...

Howdy,

Windows 10 Pro on my laptop. Been using it since it came out with no problems. All of a sudden today everything has gone to heck.

Windows 10 will boot up to the desktop but I can't open most things. Start menu doesn't work, can't open a browser, can't view Services or Task Manager. I CAN right click the start menu and use some things in there, I can open the Run box and Windows Explorer.

If I try to restart I just get the yellowish restarting screen that just sits forever.

I went into Safe Mode and killed the SoftwareDistribtion folder since many sites mentioned Windows Updates maybe being corrupted but that didn't make any difference either.

I also tried using a restore point but that just sat with the little window saying "preparing to restore your system" and never moved on past that.

I'm kind of at a loss as to what else to check. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Kel

If things are really messed up, a repair install/ in place upgrade is probably the way to go. This is from the tutorial forum. Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade - Windows 10 blog . There are links to the iso files you need from within the tutorial. You can select to keep your programs(apps) and files.

If things are really messed up, a repair install/ in place upgrade is probably the way to go. This is from the tutorial forum. Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade - Windows 10 blog . There are links to the iso files you need from within the tutorial. You can select to keep your programs(apps) and files.

Or Reset this PC Reset Windows 10 - Windows 10 blog
I had to finally do that on one of my laptops. i.e. clean install.

Whatever you do image your drive. Macrium Reflect Free.

So I basically just redo the upgrade again the same way I did it the first time? I'll give that a try first and if nothing else I'll just wipe and reimage everything.

Yes , remember to disable 3rd party AV or security programs before you start.

Well, I got as far as "Checking for updates" and it's just been hanging for quite a while. *sigh* Might have to look into installing from scratch I guess.

Internet problems, hopefully it will complete.

Well, no internet problems on my side since I'm posting here and working from home without issues. I'll just let is sit until morning if I need to.

Is there any way to get to the built in Windows 10 reset page via a Run command? I can't click my Start button or open Ctrl Panel from the right-click menu. Figured I'd give that a try if I could before I just wipe the whole thing.

Try typing settings in the search box. Settings >windows update & security >Recovery > Reset this PC. will get you there