Problem with microsoft photo app

Question

I tried opening a picture on my laptop & got a message saying 'the app didn't open'. Under the default apps there is a blank space for a photo program.  When I click on it to select a program, the Microsoft Photo App isn't an option.  I opted to go to the Microsoft store & I select the Photo App.  I get a message saying 'you own this' & it gives me the option of downloading it.  It downloads it & starts to install it & at about 90% complete I get an error message (code #0x800870005).  Tried getting another photo app from the MS store with same results.  I did a system restore & now my photos open in Paint.  How can I get the Photo App reinstalled & working?

Answer 1

It's almost unheard of that Photos or any other app would not be reinstalled with a Repair Install. Let's hope that it's only the default for that app which has slipped. If not then there must be some app or setting which is causing this rare failure. Were any modifications made, or registry cleaners used which ruin Windows?

Go into Windows Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Photo Viewer > Photos App.

If that fails try re-registering the Photos app again from Option 2 here: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3175-apps-re...

Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

Answer 2

Hi Greg,

I tried reinstalling the Photo app from the store, per your instructions.  I'd already done that several times &, as I stated, it installs about 90% & then I get the error message.

I did the Repair Install & I still have the same issue:  under default apps, the place holder for photo is blank.  It tells me to select an app & I went through the process yet again of choosing the Microsoft Photo App from the Microsoft Store & it installed 90% of it & then I get the same error message with the same code of 0x80070005.  So, I'm back to where I started.  

Janet

Answer 3

Janet, try reinstalling Photos app from MS Store Hub (three dots at top right of Store app) > My Library.

If not then a Repair Install is not a destructive install, just an Upgrade run over the present version. But your files should always be backed up anyway so be sure they are all safely backed up to the cloud via OneDrive or Google Drive backup, and to another hard drive, external or flash USB drive.

Answer 4

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the quick reply.  When I followed the 'reset & repair photo apps' you gave, after selecting 'apps & features', the Photo App isn't there.  

I also tried re-registering per the instruction & when I copied/pasted the photo app command prompt I got a message 'Windows cannot find...".

I don't know if this was caused by a Windows update & since I don't know exactly when the problem arose, I don't know which updates to delete.

I had done a 'system restore' & that did not resolve the issue (I had tried that before posting my question).

I'm not real computer savvy so I'm always hesitant and apprehensive about trying things I don't understand.  I'm a little nervous about doing the Repair Install.  I always worry that doing something like that will totally wipe out my laptop.  Is that a possibility?  If not, I'll give it a try.  

Again, thanks for your help.

Janet

Answer 5

Hi JM. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

Reset and Repair Photos app at Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Photos app > Advanced Options. Your pictures will be safe in the User Pictures folder.

If that doesn't help try re-registering the Photos app from Option Two here: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3175-apps-re...

Then try uninstalling Photos app in App Settings above, restart PC, then reinstall Photos app from MS Store Hub (three dots at top right of Store app) > My Library.

If any steps cannot be performed normally then try them in 1) Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet) or 2) Safe Mode, accessed by one of the illustrated steps in this guide:  https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-safe-mode-windows-10.  You will need to use your password to get into Safe Mode as a PIN is not accepted.

If this was caused by Windows Updates then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

If nothing else helps you can try a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m....

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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