W10 'Device Manager' > app has been blocked for your protection & other issues...

[thecomputerguy]

Hp Laptop
AMD
8GB
Windows 10 w/ Anni Update
HD checks good

Client brought the laptop in after she started having issues with it then took it to BestBuy and ever since she says it has only been 'worse'.

Basically, the laptop will not install new programs, I can't open a lot of things that require admin rights i.e. Device manager, local sec policy, I can't install updates from MS (0x800706be), the laptop connects to wireless networks but requires a UAC prompt to connect, then disconnects randomly, printers don't work, overall sluggishness, can't create a new user from settings - can only create from CMD or userpasswords2.

Many of the fixes online appear to be workarounds that include enabling the build in admin account and doing what you need there then switching back to the regular account, obviously ridiculous. Or disabling Smartscreen. Prior to me working on it, the UAC, and Smartscreen were already disabled and the Local Admin account was enabled, all I'm sure by BestBuy

I was able to create a new admin user using userpasswords2 but the result is the same.

I'm fairly certain it isn't malware, if you search for the issue you can see MANY people having the same problem all beginning in Nov/Dec of 2016 (https://www.google.com/webhp?source...q=an+administrator+has+blocked+device+manager) mainly in the MS forums.

There appears to be no fix other than reinstalling, but some people see the issue reappear after reinstalling as well.

Any idea what the heck is going on?

I told her our only hope was creating a new user and migrating the data, otherwise we're looking at a N&P after which she of course complained about all the work she would have to do to set it up.

So we're at a N&P and now I'm not so convinced even a N&P would fix it.

 

[phaZed]

Have you run Tweaking.com's Windows Repair yet?

This kind of thing is usually the result of a critical service failing to start, such as Cryptographic Services. It can also be something like DCOM issues / permissions problems - or all of the above.

It's likely fixable as it sits, but a N&P WILL fix it unless the hardware is faulty somehow (Doubtful).

 

[thecomputerguy]

Have you run Tweaking.com's Windows Repair yet?

This kind of thing is usually the result of a critical service failing to start, such as Cryptographic Services. It can also be something like DCOM issues / permissions problems - or all of the above.

It's likely fixable as it sits, but a N&P WILL fix it unless the hardware is faulty somehow (Doubtful).

No ... is it common knowledge that this programs actually works? It's the first I've seen or heard of it...

 

[johnrobert]

If it's not too difficult to set up again I would do a refresh
I would not spends hours on multiple fixes that might come back to haunt you
When you can do a refresh in 30 mins and it's done without you being there a no brainer
or clean install to latest build

 

[mraikes]

No ... is it common knowledge that this programs actually works? It's the first I've seen or heard of it...

Really? Tweaking has often been mentioned around here. Yes, it works. And it sometimes fixes truly weird problems when used as a "hail Mary", nothing left to try, solution. Definitely a program to add to your tool chest.

 

[Archon Prime]

Really? Tweaking has often been mentioned around here. Yes, it works. And it sometimes fixes truly weird problems when used as a "hail Mary", nothing left to try, solution. Definitely a program to add to your tool chest.

This thing is great. running it cleared up the strangest issues I've come across. Def give this a try before you do the clean install

 

[mr m]

I always run the Tweaking repair tool as a last resort.

Tweaking.com - Windows Repair is a tool designed help fix a large majority of known Windows problems including; registry errors, file permissions, issues with Internet Explorer, Windows Updates, Windows Firewall and more. Malware and poorly installed programs can modify your default settings resulting in your machine working badly - or worse. With Tweaking.com Windows Repair you can restore Windows original settings fixing many of these problems outright.

 

[Porthos]

I keep a SSD as a spare to load Windows to so I can see if a clean install will fix problems.

Then you will have definitive proof that the clean install will or will not fix things without messing with the client drive.

 

[thecomputerguy]

Trying tweaking repair ... will chime in after

 

[cypress]

Yeah I run Tweaking after all Virus Removals. Great programs and fixes a lot of quirky issues. If that doesn't do it, my next step would be a clean install.

 

[NviGate Systems]

Refresh doesn't always work. If you have a problem with Core Components, a refresh can still fail to resolve the issue, where a reset can and will fix the issue. Now, I don't know the technical details of how a refresh works, but I imagine it involves a roll back of the registry, specifically software hives.

I never really like refresh, I'd rather use Fabs to backup data and reload. Unless it's a simple fix for one specific issue. If you have multiple issues or an issue that keeps coming back to life, there is a deeper issue. That can and will turn into a nightmare.

 

[HFultzjr]

I keep a SSD as a spare to load Windows to so I can see if a clean install will fix problems.

Then you will have definitive proof that the clean install will or will not fix things without messing with the client drive.

Very good idea. Keep their drive as is. Clean install to SSD. If it works, clone to their drive, or upsell them to the SSD.

 

[Ktex]

It might seem obvious, but did you do a system file check? When getting a pc with odd issues, it's de rigueur to run it. If files are corrupted, then do a hard drive check-up, and if it still has a good HDD, then do a FAB and nuke n pave.
And like HFultzjr says : Clean install to SSD. If it works, clone to their drive, or upsell them to the SSD.