Win 10 base programs won't open after blue screen error.

[RetArsonFD]

Still no go.  Left click or right click on the little windows icon (I guess that's the start menu) does nothing.

[stevecomputer]

We can try other things. We can check the disk for errors:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYiogossA5g

You could try making a new user:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CgEf0DEzmg&t=1s

And logging into the new user account. You can delete it later if it does not work.

T

[RetArsonFD]

I had to reboot the computer to get it to run CHKDSK, but nothing new.  It didn't say one way or another if anything was found or repaired...but there is no change in the computer other than my wallpapers are gone.  I can't create a new account because I can't get anything from the start menu to show up when I click it.

My computer has a "D" drive labeled "RECOVERY".  It's not a separate drive, but appears to be some type of partitioned section on the hard drive.  Is it possible to run this ?  If so...how?

[RetArsonFD]

Ok...couple of questions:

I bought a new/bigger hard drive for the laptop over the summer, but never installed it because I was afraid of screwing up the transfer.  Well, right now, it doesn't look like I can make it any worse other than I don't want to lose my personal files and programs.  Can I install the new HD and use the "recovery" partition on this HD to reinstall my operating system onto the new drive ?  If so, can you tell me how ?   I assume I would need the Windows product key.  Is there a way to get the product key with the current status of my machine ?  Remember, I can't access any of the normal windows stuff.

Or would I be better off just buying a new Win 10 install ?  I hate to spend the money going that route, but if it'll be easier at this point, I'm about ready to just do it.  Is Microsoft getting ready to release another operating system and discontinue support for Win 10?  That would seriously upset me if I waist money buying a new install and they dump it in a few a months.

Thanks again for all the help.  You really have no idea how much I TRULY appreciate it.

[stevecomputer]

First thing would be to save off anything you need.  There is a recovery partition on the drive and you should be able to use it. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukQlXKoMIKw 

It should go something like the video..

You have the option to install the new drive and install windows on that also as you are thinking to do. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubNbjPcF4kk

The procedure  would be something like this video. However I'm not sure how it would affect your windows activation. I hope a HP expert is watching and may be able to clarify.

https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/find-windows-product-key/

This will help you get and save the key if you decide to go this way.

You are doing great, I know it's hard and new but helping yourself is rewarding, eventually!

[RetArsonFD]

Thanks again for the great info, but once again, I cannot access Recovery Manager through the normal steps.  However, I can access the "Recovery Partition" on my drive.  I can see the following folders : Recycle Bin, Boot, EFI, Preload, Recovery, Sources, System Volume Information, Bootmgr, Bootmgr.efi, and RP.  I clicked on the "Recovery" folder, but it was just a warning not to alter any files on the drive.  There was no way to proceed from there.  If you happen to know which folder/file I need to access to get the recovery process started, it would certainly help.  Or, if there is a way to access it and make it work from the "command prompt", I can access that as well.  I've decide to start pulling as many of my personal files and programs off the drive as possible, I'm just not sure how to find my activation keys for my Windows Office, Avast Security, and a couple of other programs, but at this point, I really don't care.  If I can get this drive back up and running, that will be great, but in the mean time, I've ordered a new install of Win 10 (they weren't as expensive as I thought they would be), and I'm going to install the new hard drive and do a new, clean install to start with.

[stevecomputer]

https://support.hp.com/ie-en/document/c04641788

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZWNPf1XxeM

Try making  a recovery drive, you can make it from another pc, I think so, perhaps some hp expert can confirm?

Your windows key should be saved in the bios so should be ok.

The avast key may be a file called  something like license.avastlic  and may be in the avast folder in the program files.

[RetArsonFD]

Well, even after all the great help, and ideas, I was left with no choice but to attempt to reinstall Windows.  I've moved as many personal folders I could think of to an external drive, and looked up as many product access codes I could find for my program reinstalls.  The time has now come to attempt the reinstall.  I was able to access the boot sequence by repeatedly hitting "escape" while the laptop was starting up, and it then gave me the option to reinstall Windows from the already partitioned "Recovery" drive.  It's doing its thing, and we'll see what happens.  I REALLY hate having to reinstall my programs.  So even if this works on this particular hard drive, I don't think I'm going to reinstall any of my personal folders or programs yet.  I've got a brand new Windows 10 install ordered that I'm going to put on the new hard drive I bought over the summer.  Now's as good a time as any to do it since I'm starting over anyway.

You have no idea how much I TRULY appreciate the help.  I'm not computer savy by any means, and anything more than turning it on is a challenge for me.  Without your help, I would've been totally screwed.

[stevecomputer]

The more you use computers the more you realize that they should only be the gateway to your data, not contain your data.  Taking your first steps onto taking control of your system is scary but almost inevitable as one day they will let you down.

Too many people pretend to know loads about computers and throw around all sorts of jargon to appear all ninja like but the more jargon used, the more smoke being blown. You did the right thing to ask for help and we're glad to help.  

Youtube has great videos on disaster recovery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1HKjyJiYLY

I don't work for or endorse the product but I have used it and it is free. It's just an example of how you can plan and recover from a crash.  When you get sorted and have time, research disk imaging, it's the best way to help yourself in the future.

Good luck with your journey.

[RetArsonFD]

I guess there are deeper issues with this thing than I thought.  So I did a complete wipe/ reinstall using the recovery partition on the drive.  After multiple hours of whatever it does, I am now stuck in a loop that I cannot get out of.  I have attempted to run this about 20 times, but I just keep getting these 2 screens right after one another.  It will reboot in between, but it just .keeps getting these 2 screens