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- HP Community
- Desktops
- Desktop Boot and Lockup
- Start Center Intermittent failure

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04-07-2025 06:49 AM
CPU boots up normally but the Start Center will not bring up applications. This is an intermittent problem.
Ran short anf long troubleshooter, everything Passed.
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
04-09-2025 04:11 AM
Hi @Rick4841
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.
It sounds like you're navigating a frustrating maze with this intermittent Start Center issue.
Even after running the short and long troubleshooters, which passed with flying colors, the problem persists, leaving you in a loop of uncertainty.
Here are some steps to help you break through this digital deadlock:
Restart Windows Explorer:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Scroll down to find Windows Explorer in the list.
- Right-click on it and select Restart. This can refresh the Start Center and might bring it back to life.
Check for Corrupted Files:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
This will scan for and repair corrupted system files that might be causing the issue.
Update Windows:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Check for updates and install any pending ones. Updates often include fixes for such glitches.
Create a New User Profile:
- Sometimes, a corrupted user profile can cause intermittent issues.
- Create a new user account and see if the problem persists when logged into the new profile.
Perform a Clean Boot:
- Open System Configuration by typing msconfig in the Start menu.
- Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.
- Restart your computer to see if the issue resolves.
HP Support Assistant:
- Use the HP Support Assistant to check for any firmware or driver updates specific to your model.
If this solution hits the spot, please come back and click "Accepted Solution" to help others find the answer. And if you'd like to say thanks, select "Yes" on the bottom left of the public post, as that would make our day! 😊
Take care, and have an amazing day!
Regards,
Hawks_Eye
04-09-2025 04:11 AM
Hi @Rick4841
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.
It sounds like you're navigating a frustrating maze with this intermittent Start Center issue.
Even after running the short and long troubleshooters, which passed with flying colors, the problem persists, leaving you in a loop of uncertainty.
Here are some steps to help you break through this digital deadlock:
Restart Windows Explorer:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Scroll down to find Windows Explorer in the list.
- Right-click on it and select Restart. This can refresh the Start Center and might bring it back to life.
Check for Corrupted Files:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
This will scan for and repair corrupted system files that might be causing the issue.
Update Windows:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Check for updates and install any pending ones. Updates often include fixes for such glitches.
Create a New User Profile:
- Sometimes, a corrupted user profile can cause intermittent issues.
- Create a new user account and see if the problem persists when logged into the new profile.
Perform a Clean Boot:
- Open System Configuration by typing msconfig in the Start menu.
- Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.
- Restart your computer to see if the issue resolves.
HP Support Assistant:
- Use the HP Support Assistant to check for any firmware or driver updates specific to your model.
If this solution hits the spot, please come back and click "Accepted Solution" to help others find the answer. And if you'd like to say thanks, select "Yes" on the bottom left of the public post, as that would make our day! 😊
Take care, and have an amazing day!
Regards,
Hawks_Eye
04-09-2025 07:29 AM
Thanks, I was (ultimately) successful. After Clean Boot, I did, however, have to go back into re-enable Microsoft Services, and restore factory settings, possibly because I could not access the Disable all Startup Items in the Task Manager (?).
Thanks again
04-10-2025 01:50 PM
You're very welcome!
It’s great to hear that you were ultimately successful in resolving the Start Center issue. Re-enabling Microsoft Services and restoring factory settings was a smart move to regain full functionality.
Fantastic troubleshooting on your part—well done! If you ever need further guidance, I'll be here to help. 😊
Thanks for letting us help you out! If you're all set, please mark this post as 'Accepted Solution' to help others find the answer and also I can do a virtual happy dance!
If you need anything else, I'm all ears (or rather, all text). Just let me know!
You're awesome, and I'm honored to have been your go-to guide today! 😊
Stay fantastic, and have an amazing day ahead!
Regards,
Hawks_Eye