Start Menu is gone
By Carmela
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
United States
December 24, 2015 9:39am CST
I as far as I remember, I didn't touch another windows program, the last thing I did was an update. I did some tweaking on kidlogger, but nothing on Windows.
For starters, I have Windows 10, upgraded from Windows 8.It is a new computer, just about 4 months old.
I noticed something was wrong when I "left-clicked" to open the volume and nothing worked, so I had to right click to open everything to adjust the sound. Then when I went to shut down, the screenshot I am sharing is what opens. Before, on the left side, I had some programs I use often, like my writing programs and control panel, and on the right were my apps.
However, it isn't my "left-click button", I can open icons on my desktop as well as the icons in the lower toolbar, except the volume, network access, and new notifications, all on the right hand side of the toolbar.
Now here is where it gets interesting. The icons I can open are the ones I have pinned to the taskbar, but I am not able to "right-click" those.
Is anyone else having this issue?
Notice: I warned @DaddyEvil and @Asylum that they may soon walk away from my computer problem questions, so I wonder if either will show up. 
8 people like this
10 responses
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
24 Dec 15
@rebelann As computer technology advances an operating system gradually becomes incapable of keeping up and becomes obsolete. Of course the only fair way the judge an operating system would be by its usefulness during its own lifespan, by which criteria Windows XP would rate quite highly. Windows 98 was also an excellent system during its day.
4 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
24 Dec 15
The first thing to check is whether the mouse buttons are set correctly. It would be pointless trying anything else until this is eliminated.
Since the mouse is misbehaving, you should use the keyboard to navigate.
Press the Windows key to open the window that is displayed in your discussion and use the arrow keys to select Settings. Pressing the Enter key will open it.
In the window that opens select Devices then arrow down to Mouse and Touchpad.
The setting for the Primary Button is at the upper Right. If the setting shows Right, tab across to that box and use the up arrow on the keyboard to set it to Left.
If it already shows Left, then repost and we shall look further.
4 people like this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
24 Dec 15
My son already tried the window key option and sure enough nothing happens when I press it. 
Do you think rebooting (though I already shut it down last night) or the link the member shared above is worth a try? Or should I avoid that considering I might do more damage?
Do you think rebooting (though I already shut it down last night) or the link the member shared above is worth a try? Or should I avoid that considering I might do more damage?3 people like this
(Now you can go shopping for you shoes..@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
24 Dec 15
@Asylum Okay, I have to go, I did the scan and it said there were no problems. so will do a restart before I go
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137259)
• United States
26 Dec 15
@Carmelanirel2 I apologize for taking so long to get back to you. I have been very busy!
Just to clarify something, though, I would not have been able to do any more than what @Asylum did. After that, I would have been stuck.
I am very glad he was able to help you with your problem, this time.
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
27 Dec 15
@Carmelanirel2 Some of the taks that appear complex and difficult are quite basic and easy.
2 people like this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
27 Dec 15
@Asylum Yes, and the more basic and safe, the better for me. I am so glad I didn't have to do some major stuff..
2 people like this
@fedupjane (191)
• United States
24 Dec 15
have you tried shutting it back down and restarting?
3 people like this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
24 Dec 15
Yes, it was shut down last night and still messed up this morning.
2 people like this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
24 Dec 15
Don't know if a system restore would correct this, but it might be a suggestion later on from either @DaddyEvil or @Asylum
2 people like this
@fedupjane (191)
• United States
24 Dec 15
@Carmelanirel2 A reboot may do it. WIndows can be wonky.. Especially when you are doing the 1st edition install of a new operating system that doesn't have all the bugs worked out..
3 people like this
@fedupjane (191)
• United States
24 Dec 15
This was in the microsoft forums as a possible answer for a similar problem someone else was happening..
<p>System file check is a utility built into the Operating System that will check for system file corruption The sfc /scannow command (System File Check) scans the integrity of all protected operating system files and replaces incorrect, corrupted, changed
3 people like this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
24 Dec 15
Whoa, that is a lot of info. If worse comes to worse, I will try this (as long as I won't be doing something I shouldn't, I always tell people I know just enough about computers to be dangerous. )
)1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26684)
• Singapore
24 Dec 15
I responded to continuous prompts from MS to upgrade to Windows 10. Thereafter, every few days, I have a serious issue "Cortana and Start Menu aren't working - we will try to fix it next time you log in". This takes few days even! MS is telling to find the solution from discussion threads about this issue and there are many solutions, some with mind altering changes needed! I feel it is only fair MS should own up and have a patch to fix the issue for all rather than throwing many innocents to the wolves! siva
3 people like this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
24 Dec 15
So you think it was the update? Because other than the parental control in the beginning, I have had no problems with Windows 10.
1 person likes this
@innertalks (21919)
• Australia
25 Dec 15
This is exactly what I had half-expected to happen. I have held off updating until now, after all I have another 6 months window still open in which to do that. Surely in a few more months time some of these issues will be resolved by then.
I checked the forums early, and I saw all of the problems people were having, so I have held off until now. I have windows 7.
@Shiva49 (26684)
• Singapore
25 Dec 15
@Carmelanirel2 Going by the innumerable discussions this issue should be across the board. Today, I saw a detailed update being done and I hope this is also patched up. I did not want to do a detailed surgery as I am more of a quack to indulge in activities that are esoteric - siva
2 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16762)
• China
25 Dec 15
Sorry,it is all Greek to me .Is this computer you use the one your older son built up for you ? It seems to be well configurated .
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
27 Dec 15
Yes it is, but it isn't the computer, I'm sure it is Windows 10 since I see a lot of posts on this on the Microsoft forum.
1 person likes this
@gr8nana6 (6614)
• Conyers, Georgia
30 Dec 15
@Carmelanirel2 Sorry I am of no help to you with anything conserning computers. I am lucky I know how to turn it on, lol.
I hope you get some help with that.
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
31 Dec 15
@Carmelanirel2 Maybe you should super glue it to the desktop to avoid losing it again.
1 person likes this
@gr8nana6 (6614)
• Conyers, Georgia
31 Dec 15
@Carmelanirel2 Good glad it worked out
1 person likes this
@whiteream (8567)
• United States
26 Dec 15
My new computer has windows 10 but I haven't set it up or used it yet.
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
27 Dec 15
If you are using Windows 8, (and really loved XP or 7) you will love Windows 10. It just needs to bugs worked out and it is wonderful to have techy friends who can help. 
