Alienware Start Button/Programs and Apps disappeared

Question

Alienware Windows 8.1

I recently had a power outage while the computer was on. I turned it back on and it took quite a while to load. After logging in, the "start" button on the bottom left, after clicking, the apps and programs are not showing up. I also realized that the program list on the computer drive does not have all the programs that it should despite the fact that I am still being able to use some of them. The computer tried to repair itself a couple of times but it only ended up repairing the background and the colors but not the programs and app windows button. I've also tried restoring from a previous recovery point but it was denied. It may be a driver issue? What can I do? What happened exactly? All help is appreciated.

Alienware - Rodrigo · Answer

Hi, Open Device Manager and check if you show any errors on any of the devices. Also, try running an ePSA/Diagnostic test on the system, click here to view a Dell article that explains how to run this test. Let us know if you receive any errors.

arlanarlan · Answer

Rodrigo,

Thanks for the reply. I have tried searching for the Device Manager on the Windows Search but nothing would show up (that also applies with programs that are already installed). I ran the diagnostic and the first message was: "No problems have been found with this system so far. Do you want to do the remaining memory test?" I chose "yes" and it went on to run and got stuck at 75%. I clicked "run all tests" on the bottom and the results was on a green window "Success - All tests passed."

:-/

Alienware - Rodrigo · Answer

Hi,

Thank you for confirming this. Try booting to the Windows Startup Settings. Click here to view an article from Microsoft that explains how to this on Windows 8.1. If you can access the Windows Startup Settings, try stating the system in Safe mode and confirm if you have the same issues in Safe mode.

arlanarlan · Answer

Hey Rodrigo. Thanks again for your response.

I've tried couple of things:

1) I've tried the Startup Repair and it states: "Startup Repair couldn't repair your PC. Press "Advanced options" to try other options to repair your PC or "Shut down" to turn off your PC. Log file: C:\Windows\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrail.txt"

2) I've also tried Safe mode and it still does not show up the apps and programs.

:/

AAA737flyer · Answer

Your user account might have become corrupted by the power outage. Try creating a new user account. Name it test or whatever you might like should this work and you want to keep the new user account.

Log in using the new user account to see if that account works properly. If so you can then assign it administrator properties later.

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Alienware Start Button/Programs and Apps disappeared

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