Windows 10 Start Menu and Edge problems

[timeshifter]

Windows 10 1803.

• Edge won't run. No message or any response when clicking desktop icon or taskbar icon.
• "Package could not be registered" when trying to open .PDF file (PDFs associated with Edge)
• No response from Start Menu when left-clicking on Windows logo (right-click on same works)

Ran the Microsoft tool found in this link and it fixed the Start Menu, sort of
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/start-menu-does-not-open-windows-10

Got the following errors from the tool:

Despite the errors, Start Menu will now pop up but when I click the gear for Settings nothing happens.

For the PDF error I ran DISM fixes and SFC /scannow as outlined here
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...ed-error/37ddc660-c9f9-44fc-8ca7-3b5f6a0536df

I created a new user account and everything works on a new profile (although I had to do it via cmd as I couldn't "Add a New User in PC Settings" apparently because that tool is based on the newer control panel interface.

So should I just create a new profile and migrate everything over? He has a ton of email accounts, etc. and while I think Fabs might handle it well, I'm curious about a simpler fix. I'm working on it remotely.

Or maybe in person Windows repairs or a N & P is in order?

 

[Archon Prime]

I had the same issue a while back that wasn't 1803 related. but ya, new user... fabs, migrate it over.

 

[Porthos]

Or maybe in person Windows repairs or a N & P is in order?

Go the new user account first... But if that fails I always say screw it and nuke. You can attempt the repair install but who knows if that will really work.

 

[sapphirescales]

At this point I'd give up on that profile and just reimage the system. If you have to Fabs everything over to a new profile anyway, you'd be better off starting with a fresh install of Windows 10. It takes 5 minutes to image the system. While you're at it, you can upsell them a solid state drive. You'll get more money, they'll get a better, faster, more stable system, and everyone will be happy. I rarely try to fix obscure issues like this these days. It's faster/easier/cheaper to just reimage, especially if you're going to have to make a new profile and Fabs everything over anyways.

 

[Porthos]

It takes 5 minutes to image the system.

Reimage yes. Many here are not using imaging and just load from an ISO. That does take a little extra time

 

[sapphirescales]

Reimage yes. Many here are not using imaging and just load from an ISO. That does take a little extra time

So does keeping the images updated. It depends on how often you have to reimage. For me, I have to reimage computers every single day so it's worth it to keep images for Home/Pro, UEFI and Legacy (so a total of 4 images). Reloading Windows from a USB flash drive and installing the drivers, all the updates, all the standard programs you want to include (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) takes at least 20 to 30 minutes. Hence why we use images. If you're using a hard drive, it can easily take an hour.

 

[Porthos]

So does keeping the images updated. It depends on how often you have to reimage. For me, I have to reimage computers every single day so it's worth it to keep images for Home/Pro, UEFI and Legacy (so a total of 4 images). Reloading Windows from a USB flash drive and installing the drivers, all the updates, all the standard programs you want to include (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) takes at least 20 to 30 minutes. Hence why we use images. If you're using a hard drive, it can easily take an hour.

Same for me. UPDATED IMAGES is the only way to go.

 

[sapphirescales]

Same for me. UPDATED IMAGES is the only way to go.

I update all my images every week. I use an HP Elitebook 2560p that's totally beat up. It looks like trash. I bought it online and it was described as "A Grade" and what I got looks like it was run over by a bus. I bought it off eBay and I opened a case against the seller. eBay sided with me and said I didn't have to send it back, so I use it as my imaging computer. I like this little computer because it has a nice little 12" screen and supports both UEFI and legacy boot modes.

 

[timeshifter]

For Windows 7 I was keeping a relatively recent up to date image for Home and Pro. Windows 10 is SO EASY to install. I keep the latest build on an iODD with an SSD in it. Booting and installing Windows 10 1803 is pretty damned fast. Of course I almost never install to a regular hard drive, always SSD now. I only do it a couple times a week, not a day.

I use Ninite to install Chrome, Firefox, etc. Just a few clicks and I only install what they want / need / had before.

Is using imaging on Windows 10 really that helpful?

 

[Porthos]

Is using imaging on Windows 10 really that helpful?

Build an image and try it. I think you will get hooked.

 

[sapphirescales]

Is using imaging on Windows 10 really that helpful?

It depends on many different factors:

1. How often you reinstall Windows
2. How much customization is done on a fresh install of Windows
3. How busy you are
4. If you want to be able to offer this as a quick service

I do a LOT of customizations to a fresh install of Windows 10. I install Chrome, Firefox, iTunes, my remote support application, a special docklet application, etc. I organize the start menu tiles so they actually make sense (including shortcuts to my remote support application and the Documents, Music, Pictures, etc. folders). I tweak the visual settings and turn off all the useless eye candy. I make sure that all Windows updates are done. I install ad blockers in the browsers, and configure Windows Defender so it doesn't b*tch about the fact that they're not signed in with a Microsoft account. I remove the recycle bin from the desktop (there's another copy of the recycle bin in the special docklet application). I uninstall all the useless apps that come with it, and I customize the startup (including the Startup Tab under the Task Manager and the services in MSCONFIG) to remove all the useless crap from startup.

Doing all this takes time. About 30 minutes if you're using an SSD and an hour if you're installing on a hard disk. Compared to the 5 minutes it takes to pop out the drive and image it, there's just no comparison. I'm also reimaging computers on a daily basis. Saving 25 minutes per computer saves a LOT of time.

 

[frase]

Same method I use

 

[cypress]

It depends on many different factors:

1. How often you reinstall Windows
2. How much customization is done on a fresh install of Windows
3. How busy you are
4. If you want to be able to offer this as a quick service

I do a LOT of customizations to a fresh install of Windows 10. I install Chrome, Firefox, iTunes, my remote support application, a special docklet application, etc. I organize the start menu tiles so they actually make sense (including shortcuts to my remote support application and the Documents, Music, Pictures, etc. folders). I tweak the visual settings and turn off all the useless eye candy. I make sure that all Windows updates are done. I install ad blockers in the browsers, and configure Windows Defender so it doesn't b*tch about the fact that they're not signed in with a Microsoft account. I remove the recycle bin from the desktop (there's another copy of the recycle bin in the special docklet application). I uninstall all the useless apps that come with it, and I customize the startup (including the Startup Tab under the Task Manager and the services in MSCONFIG) to remove all the useless crap from startup.

Doing all this takes time. About 30 minutes if you're using an SSD and an hour if you're installing on a hard disk. Compared to the 5 minutes it takes to pop out the drive and image it, there's just no comparison. I'm also reimaging computers on a daily basis. Saving 25 minutes per computer saves a LOT of time.

Love this