Classic Shell: Forum

Hey all,

I ran into this exact same issue a few months ago, but I can't remember how I fixed it. I haven't found the answer here on the forums either.

I'm using a Microsoft Surface Pro with Windows 8 (not 8.1). I had to re-install windows a few days ago, so I did a factory reset. Re-installed Classic Shell and all of my other applications, but forgot to turn off windows update.

Windows updated installed a bunch of updates on the surface, and now when it boots, all I get is a flashing black screen. The mouse is present, if plugged in, but I can't do anything.

I remember that a few months ago, this was an issue with windows update conflicting with Classic Shell. I had to roll back the system to a restore point before the updates. I just can't remember how to get the system into recovery mode before booting. I tried volume up + power button on boot, but that sends me to a screen with "Trusted platform module (TPM)" and several other settings that don't help.

The question is: how can I get to system restore (and other repair options) when the surface will not boot up properly?

This isn't Classic Shell related. It looks like an issue with Surface hardware. Ask in Surface's forums or MS Answers forums. Also see this: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/ ... responding

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I am a Windows enthusiast and did Classic Shell's testing and usability/UX feedback.

I was able to get it to work. After rebooting enough times, the recovery menu finally kicked in. I was able to do a system restore to the day before I installed Classic Shell.

This IS a Classic Shell issue. Like I said, I already ran into this problem a few months ago. I found a thread online where someone was complaining of a "flashing black screen" on startup, and they were able to trace it back to a Classic Shell / Windows update conflict. I can't find the thread anymore, but that is exactly what happened here.

I am running an older version of Classic Shell, 3.6.8, so this may have been fixed in a newer version.

Can you please point to that thread which mentions the update that conflicts with Classic Shell?

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I am a Windows enthusiast and did Classic Shell's testing and usability/UX feedback.

I've seen a lot of comments about the black screen problem but all seem to address laptops. I recently installed Classic Shell on my HP desktop and it was working very well. Then overnight, it stopped working properly. First no apps would open but everything else worked. Then it changed to producing a only a black screen right after login with a password. The mouse cursor shows but nothing else. I can get to some things with the task manager which is the only thing I can get to work. I expect this was the result of another damned automatic update from the evil empire but cannot even get to windows to try to restore to a point before the last update. Help!

If you can get to the Task Manager, start System Restore from Task Manager -> File -> New Task -> C:\Windows\system32\rstrui.exe.

Note that Classic Shell is like a regular app that uses APIs - a Start menu app and extensions for Explorer+IE. So it is not possible for Classic Shell to screw up the Windows OS. It does not modify any Windows system files or settings.

_________________
Links to some general topics:

● Compare Start Menus

● Read the Search box usage guide.

I am a Windows enthusiast and did Classic Shell's testing and usability/UX feedback.

I found this thread trying to research my Black Screen after Log in on Surface Pro 3 I7








It turns out , as posted by someone earlier, that Classic Shell is the offending application.



All I had to do was get to Task Manager, Disable the Classic Shell and the screen came back.