Unable to access Windows task bar, cursor rotates continuously and unable to run diagnostics

[klossdmk]

The Windows button in the taskbar has gone white and will not work when I click on it.  I have tried to run diagnostics, they start up and then immediately disappear.  I cannot fix this and HP will not help because I am beyond warranty.  How do I get some help with this?  OR, has this laptop turned into a paperweight?

[WAWood]

@klossdmk 

It doesn't help us when you provide us false information -- as I am reasonably certain you are NOT running Windows 10 IOT as that is an embedded OS is that is not present in PCs sold to the public. To find out the real version you are running, enter "winver" (without the quotes) into the search area and read what is displayed in the small window.

As to the issue, WHICH diagnostics are you trying to run -- HP or Windows? 

[klossdmk]

I did not intend to mislead, but you already know that.

I am unable to type anything into the search box, cannot even bring it up.  The task bar is not working at all.  I tried to get to both HP and Windows diagnostics and neither one would work.  I can bring up the page and click on the diagnostic I want to run.  The program looks like it is starting, and then it disappears and I am back to my desktop screen.

I appreciate your help with this.