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I must have accidently deleted a system file recently. I'm running Windows 11. My Start button & Search Bar no longer work. When I right click the Start button to get to the "System" function, I receive an error message, which I have attached.
I also receive the same error message when right clicking Start to "Installed Apps" and "Settings".
I signed out, restarted PC several times, and restarted Windows Explorer via the Task Manager.
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Hi,
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del, select Task Manager > Files > Run a task > check the option as administrator > type CMD > run the commands: sfc /scannow and dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth, wait for the process to finish and restart the computer.
After restarting, access regedit using the same method I showed, go to the Computer tab\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Inkfile, take a screenshot and post it here.
Thanks
Thank you for your help! I ran the commands you provided. After restarting, I navigated to the lnkfile and provided the screenshot here.
Hi,
Sorry. If possible, please search for an inkfile, not a .ink file. If you can't find it, let me know.
Thanks
Hi,
Go to Start Menu > Settings > System > About > System Protection > click Create and enter a name to save and apply.
First, create a restore point.
After that, you will look for the directory: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts.lnk
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes.lnk
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\lnkfile
You will delete these folders and restart the PC. After that, open the command prompt (admin) and run the commands: sfc /scannow and dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth, wait for the process to finish and restart the computer.
Test
Thanks
I can right click to get into the Start menu. Unfortunately, "Settings" gives me the error message that I started with.
It looks like I'm probably going need to use the "Reset this PC" feature from the advance start up. First, I'll need to manually back up my files via drag/drop to an external drive since I can't get to the Windows back up routine.
Hi,
This could be the problem, but it might be in your profile. Open the command prompt (admin) and run the command: net user administrator /active:yes, restart your PC and try logging in as that administrator user and see if the problem occurs.
Thanks
I did set up a new administrator a bit earlier, per Gemini. But the Start button and Search bar don't work for that account either. (I already had a second user (non admin) and the problem exists there too). Thanks.
Hi,
This is just a guess, I'm not certain. A good idea would be to try reinstalling, but it's possible if you don't have prior experience with hardware and this was the first time you assembled it.
However, update the BIOS to the latest version and reinstall Windows again and test it.
Thanks
Hi,
I can instruct you on how to update the BIOS and reinstall it if you wish, to help.
Thanks
