Clayton Decker
asked on
Windows 8 Settings Will Not Open
I am running Windows 8.1. I can open the Control Panel, but when I point to the right side of the screen, and the "Settings" icon appears, and then "Change PC Settings", I click it and nothing happens, other than just a blank screen the color of my Windows theme. It just sits like this. If I tap the mouse, it flashes back to my Start screen. I am quite crippled because of this. I check out the Microsoft Support forums and they say to just create a new user. Well, first of all, that won't fix the actual problem, and secondly, I can't even create a new user because when I try doing so under Control Panel, it tries taking me back to Settings and Settings won't open.
(Which brings me back to this question, why am I still using Windows? lol...)
(Which brings me back to this question, why am I still using Windows? lol...)
ASKER
Yes I am the Administrator and the only user.
There should be something in the Event Logs relating to this. I can't see how you can select something only to have it ignore you - without, at least, leaving an event somewhere.
Are you using the mouse or touchscreen? Perhaps it's a driver issue.
Are you using the mouse or touchscreen? Perhaps it's a driver issue.
ASKER
I know. I have no idea what is going on. I am using a mouse (touchpad), but, according to Driver Booster, my drivers are up to date. I have posted two screenshots. I know they don't really tell anything, but they might kind of give you an idea where I'm at. As I said, there is a Windows forum thread on this same issue, but their answers don't do anything. 
You've obviously customized your desktop and Settings menu, since you don't have much there.
Try changing themes, to see if the skin might be causing it.
Try changing themes, to see if the skin might be causing it.
ASKER
Well, I can change my Desktop theme, but not my Start screen skin, because to change the Start skin, I have to access the Settings app.
I tried launching the Settings app from the "PC Settings" icon under more programs on the Start screen (ie, not by hovering on the right side of the screen). When I do this, the purple background and gear icon of the Settings app covers the screen for about a second, then flashes off. Nowhere to be seen.
I tried launching the Settings app from the "PC Settings" icon under more programs on the Start screen (ie, not by hovering on the right side of the screen). When I do this, the purple background and gear icon of the Settings app covers the screen for about a second, then flashes off. Nowhere to be seen.
Sounds like something's up. Malware or virus? Can you download Malwarebytes and run a full scan? Maybe do the same with your AV.
If that all comes back good, then time to try to restore to a date when this worked or do a repair.
If that all comes back good, then time to try to restore to a date when this worked or do a repair.
ASKER
I run Malwarebytes regularly, but I'm running another scan now.
ASKER
I ran Malwarebytes, Avast full scan, and Avast boot scan. None of these scans show anything malicious.
I think it's time to try a system restore to a previous date when it worked. Barring that, a repair may be necessary.
Can't say I've ever seen your problem anywhere else! Normally, you would see some kind of error reported somewhere. Strange.
Can't say I've ever seen your problem anywhere else! Normally, you would see some kind of error reported somewhere. Strange.
ASKER
How would I do a repair?
ASKER
Is this the error we're looking for in the Even Viewer?
Log Name: Application
Source: Microsoft-Windows-Immersiv
Date: 2/26/2014 2:27:09 PM
Event ID: 5973
Task Category: (5973)
Level: Error
Keywords:
Description:
Activation of app windows.immersivecontrolpa
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-Im
<EventID>5973</EventID>
<Version>0</Version>
<Level>2</Level>
<Task>5973</Task>
<Opcode>0</Opcode>
<Keywords>0x20000000000000
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2014-02-26T21:
<EventRecordID>54761</Even
<Correlation />
<Execution ProcessID="3876" ThreadID="4720" />
<Channel>Application</Chan
<Computer>Brian-Gateway</C
<Security UserID="S-1-5-21-332038541
</System>
<EventData>
<Data Name="AppId">windows.immer
<Data Name="ErrorCode">-21449271
</EventData>
</Event>
Log Name: Application
Source: Microsoft-Windows-Immersiv
Date: 2/26/2014 2:27:09 PM
Event ID: 5973
Task Category: (5973)
Level: Error
Keywords:
Description:
Activation of app windows.immersivecontrolpa
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-Im
<EventID>5973</EventID>
<Version>0</Version>
<Level>2</Level>
<Task>5973</Task>
<Opcode>0</Opcode>
<Keywords>0x20000000000000
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2014-02-26T21:
<EventRecordID>54761</Even
<Correlation />
<Execution ProcessID="3876" ThreadID="4720" />
<Channel>Application</Chan
<Computer>Brian-Gateway</C
<Security UserID="S-1-5-21-332038541
</System>
<EventData>
<Data Name="AppId">windows.immer
<Data Name="ErrorCode">-21449271
</EventData>
</Event>
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
That fixed it! What did that command do? Or what was the problem to begin with?
Several manifests didn't register with proper execution rights. Honestly, I would not have known about this without seeing the error message and a little help from Microsoft.
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-winapps/i-cant-open-any-windows-8-apps-including-pc/aaa88b5e-98c6-4958-a896-b991b924e4f0
Credit where credit is due!
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-winapps/i-cant-open-any-windows-8-apps-including-pc/aaa88b5e-98c6-4958-a896-b991b924e4f0
Credit where credit is due!
Go to a Run box (Windows Key+R).
Type - control userpasswords2
Check to see what group your user is in.