After power was cut to my pc while it was running, I can’t open any applications

[cchill42]

Today I was working on my computer when the power went out. After turning it back on, I was not able to load any applications whatsoever. Task manager, the command prompt, and even the windows start menu didn’t work whatsoever. I’m able to move my mouse around and type, but pretty much nothing else. I was able to access the command prompt by going into automatic repair mode and I found a temporary fix that looks like it fixed all the issues apart from a few windows apps not working. However, after restarting or shutting down the computer, the issue came back like nothing happened. While trying to figure out the issue when I was working with the temporary fix, I ran hardware diagnostics everything passed. This makes me think some files are corrupted or crucial software is broken. I also tried restoring the computer to a point 2 days ago, but still that didn’t work. I’m out of ideas at this point. Thoughts?

Specs: 

OS: windows 11

RAM: 16 GB

Motherboard: Erica6

Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 5 5600G (up to 4.4 GHz max boost clock, 16 MB L3 cache, 6 cores, 12 threads)

[Nal_NR]

Hi @cchill42,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

It sounds like your HP Pavilion Desktop PC experienced a bit of a shock when the power went out, leaving it in a state where some parts of the system are responsive, but others are not functioning as they should. The good news is that you've already found a temporary fix, which is a great start. Let's work through some steps to restore full functionality to your system.

1. Run a System File Check (SFC)

• Imagine your system as a library where some books are out of place after the power outage. The System File Checker (SFC) will scan and repair any corrupted system files.

2. Run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)

• Think of DISM as a deeper level of cleaning and repairing your system image. It’s like dusting off the shelves in that library, ensuring everything is in place.
• In the Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

3. Check for Windows Updates

• Once you’ve regained access to the Windows Start menu, think of updating your system like refreshing its instructions. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. Install any available updates to ensure your system has the latest fixes and security patches.

Please find the remaining steps in the next post.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @cchill42,

Please find the next steps below.

4. Reinstall Windows Apps

• For those few Windows apps that are still not working, imagine reinstalling them like fixing broken links in a chain. Open the PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command to reinstall all Windows apps:

5. Perform a Clean Boot

• Sometimes, third-party applications can interfere with system functions. Performing a clean boot will help identify if any startup programs are causing issues.
• Open System Configuration (you can search for "msconfig" in the Start menu), go to 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 and see if the problem persists.

6. Create a New User Account

• If the issue is limited to your current user profile, creating a new account can be like starting fresh. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, and select Add someone else to this PC. Log into the new account and check if the problems persist. If the new account works fine, you may need to migrate your data to the new profile.

7. Consider a System Restore

• If all else fails, a system restore can be like turning back the clock to a time when everything was working. Access System Restore from Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore, and choose a restore point before the power outage occurs.

8. Check Hardware

• Since the issue started after a power outage, it's also worth considering that the outage might have affected your hardware. Run hardware diagnostics from the BIOS (usually accessible by pressing F2 or Esc at startup) to check if any hardware components were damaged.

By following these steps, your system should return to normal, with all applications functioning as expected. If the problem persists or gets worse, you might need to consider a more in-depth repair by contacting phone support, or a fresh Windows installation.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.