Need Windows 8.1 help Asus Laptop

[jtmulc]

...help me Nsanedown Kenobi, you're my only hope...

There are folks here who know a lot more about Windows 8.1 than I, I hope you can help me with this one. I should point out that this isn't about my computer, so typical forum responses of "Ditch 8.1", "Install linux", or "Get a Mac" aren't an option.

Laptop specs:

Asus touchscreen laptop <6 months old running 64 bit Windows 8.1 and Start Is Back 1.05. 8gb of Ram and 320gb hard drive. No optical drive.

What I see:

The original complaint was that the Windows apps on the Metro screen no longer work. I presume that doesn't mean all of them, but when you start Netflix the splash screen comes up with the Busy Circle and sits there, waiting.

There is a message in the Notification Center to log on to your Microsoft account with your most recent password. When you click on it, screen comes up with the Busy Circle and sits there, waiting.

You can't open Windows Update. Whatever window you use to try to get to Windows Update becomes unresponsive.

You can't change any password. The splash screen comes up with the Busy Circle and sits there, waiting.

You cannot create a new user. The splash screen comes up with the Busy Circle and sits there, waiting.

The sound does not work. Drivers are installed, device manager says it is functioning, but when you click on the volume controls a troubleshooter opens up but can't find the issue.

The antivirus had expired for a month. I did a quick scan using Trendmicro's Housecall, it didn't find anything.

What I think:

At some point she reset her Microsoft Account password (you can still do this in a browser, but can't through the system settings), but this did not change her Windows Logon password. Her old Windows Logon password is the only one that will log on to the system. Anything else (even "booger") and the Busy Circle comes up and sits there. I tried changing the Microsoft Account password in her credentials, it didn't work. We tried changing her Microsoft Account password back to her Windows Logon password, but it won't let us becuase she's already used it. I tried using the Offline Windows Password Editor from a bootable USB drive, but the BIOS only wants to start a Secure Boot device.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this before I take another crack at this in 18 hours?

[Ryrynz]

Close any non essential apps from task manager to rule out a rogue program.

Run System File Check to see what system integrity is like.

System Restore back before there were issues.

[jtmulc]

Won't run sfc, system restore helped a little, didn't solve problem. Time for plan B

[x3r0]

Uhm, reinstall?

[jtmulc]

Yes.

[R0H1T]

Uhm, reinstall ?

OR refresh/reset in case of win8 :lol:

Also for the OP, avoid anything Trendmicro (or for that matter from M$) better go with free versions of AVAST, AVIRA, AVG et al if you don't want a paid subscription of an AV (suite?) <_<

[rach]

an issue for keeping older version of SIB+
Blank Screen after reboot – what to do

[Sonar]

not to sure i understand but along the "store/apps" lines > Windows App Store doesn't load after 8.1 Upgrade v. 2 (Also Works for Windows 10!)

Fix Store Apps and Tiles that are Not Working or Responding in Windows 8 and 8.1

have you tried safemode?

I say when your back up and running at-least install something to combat this in the future > RollBack Rx Home Edition 1.0 Bulid 201503091326