The Windows 10 Settings Application Does Not Open

An update :

I have used the following cmd to check the disk status, it returned as OK:

wmic diskdrive get model,status

I have also used the TOOL option of the driver's Properties and scan the drive for errors, no error found.

This is the 3rd time I have issues with Windows. I just did a In-Place Upgrade Install last month, I wonder why I have Windows issue so quick again.

Thank you.

Dear startrekker,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're experiencing with your Windows 10 system. It sounds like your system is experiencing some significant file corruption issues, which might be causing the Settings app and other functionalities to be inaccessible. Let's try a few steps to resolve this without needing to do a full reinstall where you'd lose your data.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Advanced System Repair: Since SFC /scannow reported that it found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them, the next step is to try the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool, which can fix system corruption that SFC cannot.
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following commands:

       DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
     

   • After this process completes, run SFC /scannow again to see if it can now fix the files.
2. Safe Mode: Try booting into Safe Mode to see if you can access the Settings application:
   • Restart your PC. As soon as Windows begins to load, press the power button and hold it down until the PC shuts down.
   • Repeat this process 2-3 times until you see the Recovery Environment.
   • Click on ‘Troubleshoot’ -> ‘Advanced options’ -> ‘Startup Settings’ -> Restart.
   • After your PC restarts, you’ll see a list of options. Select 4 or F4 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
   • If you can access Settings in Safe Mode, try to uninstall recent updates or change other settings that could be affecting normal operations.
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following commands:
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   • After this process completes, run SFC /scannow again to see if it can now fix the files.
3. Create a New User Account: Sometimes, a corrupted user profile can cause issues with system functionality. Creating a new user account can help determine if the issue is specific to your current user profile. Since you cannot use Windows+R, try creating a new account through Command Prompt:
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type:

       net user /add [username] [password]
     
       net localgroup administrators [username] /add
     

   • Press Enter (replace [username] and [password] with your desired username and password)
   • Log out from your current profile and log into the new account to see if the issue persists.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, it might indeed be necessary to consider backing up your data externally and preparing for a clean installation of Windows 10. This can be a more drastic but effective method to resolve persistent system issues.

How to: Perform a Custom Installation of Windows 11 and Windows 10 or - Microsoft Community

Please keep us updated on your progress, and don't hesitate to ask for further assistance if needed.

Best Regards,

Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Dear startrekker,

Thank you for your detailed response and for providing additional information about the steps you've taken so far. I understand how frustrating this situation can be, and I'm here to assist you further.

Given the errors you've encountered with DISM and the inability to access Safe Mode, as well as the continuous issues with the Settings application even after creating a new user account, it seems we may need to consider more advanced recovery steps. Since you've already backed up your data, this puts us in a good position to proceed with a more thorough solution if needed.

Next Steps:

Running DISM with an Alternate Source: Since DISM encountered issues, you can try specifying an alternate source for the repair files. Follow these steps:

1. Locate a Windows 10 ISO: First, download the Windows 10 ISO from the official Microsoft website.
2. Mount the ISO: Right-click the ISO file and select 'Mount'.
3. Run DISM: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following command, replacing X: with the drive letter where the ISO is mounted:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:X:\sources\install.wim /LimitAccessPerform a Clean Installation: You've mentioned considering a clean installation. Since you have backed up your data, this would be a viable solution to resolve persistent system issues. Here's a step-by-step guide:

How to: Perform a Custom Installation of Windows 11 and Windows 10 or - Microsoft Community

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.
2. Create a Bootable USB Drive: Follow the tool’s instructions to create a bootable USB.
3. Install Windows 10:

• Insert the bootable USB drive and restart your computer.
• Press the key required to enter the boot menu (usually F12, F2, or ESC, depending on your system).
• Select the USB drive to boot from and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10.
• During installation, choose the "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" option to perform a clean installation. This will allow you to reformat your drive, ensuring all previous data (including potential corrupt files) is removed.

Note on Activation and Updates: After completing the clean installation, ensure your system is connected to the internet so Windows can activate automatically and download any necessary updates. Also, check for the latest drivers from Dell's website for your specific model to ensure optimal functionality.

Tips for Future Updates: To avoid similar issues in the future, consider enabling System Restore and periodically creating restore points. This can allow for easier recovery if updates or installations cause system instability.

• create restore points: Create a system restore point - Microsoft Support
• use system restore: Use System Restore - Microsoft Support

Using Built-in Repair Options: If you want to avoid a clean install just yet, you can also boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and try the built-in repair options:

1. Restart your computer and repeatedly press F8 (or Shift + F8) to enter the Advanced Boot Options menu.
2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
3. Try options like Startup Repair and System Restore from here to potentially resolve the issue without a full reinstall. Please proceed with these steps and let me know if you encounter any issues or need further guidance. I am committed to helping you restore your system to full functionality.

Best Regards,

Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Update: I was able to create a new account using the CMD option but still cannot open SETTINGS in the new account. When I used WINDOWS+R then "ms-settings", it said it couldn't find it.

Thank you, Martin.D for your reply,

1. I did the DISM check and have the attached error.
2. I was not able to get into SAFE mode, however, yesterday I did try to uninstall the July updates. It asked me for the password but kept saying it's incorrect. I reset the password and still said it's incorrect. It's the same password as my Microsoft and Outlook accounts. I don't know why it won't take it.
3. I also tried to create a new user account. When I clicked on it, nothing happened, thus I couldn't even create a new account!

I have already backed up my data. If I do a Clean Installation, will I run into the problem not being able to keep the files, etc like the In-Place Upgrade Installation? I think the problem is since I have already installed all the July MS Updates, when the In-Place Upgrade installation downloaded Windows 10, it was an older version, maybe that's why it won't let me keep my files, etc. ?

Thank you again for any further comments/suggestions you can provide.