P C Becoming Unusable

[Old_Geezer]

I'm sure I've broached this issue before but it's starting to get beyond, and I need to know how to fix it.

For some time now my woman's PC has been "playing up". Mainly in the form of Explorer opting to go into a freeze state if one dared to right click on a file. A short while ago it was also experienced doing the same on some left clicks. The only temporary solution is to use task manager to stop Explorer and restart it again.

I am being told it's getting unworkable, and I even experienced the browser I was using freezing this morning; which is a new one on me.

I am wondering if one can reinstall Windows over the top to fix things. And whether one can be assured no non-Windows data, such as files etc. would be lost.

An added complication is that the original disk would *not* be Windows 10. Probably 9 IIRC and we took advantage of the free update. So, is there a way to get hold of Microsoft's latest version to install instead ? Ideally without needing to set it all up again, looking up numbers etc..

Any advice appreciated as she is now talking of spending a small fortune on a new PC, which is not ideal at present, and in any case I feel sure the existing one won't have an unrepairable fault anyway.

Cheers.

[barry1010]

Try this for Explorer.

In the search box bottom left of the screen type
File Explorer Options
then click to open. In the General Tab click 'Clear' to clear Explorer history. Then click the OK box.
Reboot.

[barry1010]

You could also try resetting the PC which should keep all your non-Windows files and data.

In the search box bottom left type
Reset This PC
and click the top option. Click the 'get started' button and follow the instructions

[ToraToraTora]

OG, sounds like you need a factory reset:
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/factory-reset-windows-10

[bhg481]

It's always worth checking the HDD for errors and asking it to check and replace bad sectors. All discs come with spare sectors which can be used to replace ones which go bad; accessed via Properties > tools > error checking. It can be a lengthy process depending on the size of the HDD but worth a try.

[Old_Geezer]

Thanks for suggestions. Shall try them when I can work up the enthusiasm (just had a session getting frustrated by it and turning the air blue).

[Old_Geezer]

'tis an SSD disk. So, may not be an issue.

[ToraToraTora]

the other thing I'd do straight after that is get an SSD and clone the HDD, using Macrium reflect for example, you can get a USB lead that connects directly to the SSD, then macrium can format the SSD and clone your HDD. Then take out the HDD and replace with the new SSD, then add back your files, should be unclogged and much faster. I went through a similar exercise myself recently and the difference was impressive.

[ToraToraTora]

ok crossed posts!

[TonyV]

As Barry suggested, long time since I played with Windows, but there is a tool bar you can open on left bottom and make your choice.

[The Builder]

OG, if none of the suggestions given fix the problem(s), then I would download and run the free version of "Ccleaner."

Run the analysis, then tell it to clean up.
Also, run the "Registry Checker", and click on "Fix Issues."
A lot of problems are due to registry errors.

[Old_Geezer]

Cheers all. Not made it back to her PC yet.
Some time tomorrow I expect.

[Hopkirk]

Alternatively give up on it and upgrade to a new laptop. Perhaps move away from Windows and get a Chromebook.

[barry1010]

Don't get a Chromebook unless you fully understand what you are buying. They are not suitable for everyone.

I can't see any reason to ditch the PC yet.

[Old_Geezer]

File Explorer Options
This version of windows the search only ever seems to want to give me "web results"
Unsure where I go from there. Surely I ought not be going to some website. Shall have to skip this one.

Reset This PC
Also just wants to give "web results".

The web page showed

Click on ‘Start’
Choose ‘Settings’ – the cog image near the ‘Start’ button
In the ‘Windows Settings’ screen, choose ‘Update & Security’
In the left menu options, choose ‘Recovery’
Under ‘Reset this PC’ choose the ‘Get started’ button

All seems a little drastic as a first step, may leave this until later as I doubt anything is backed up

Factory Reset
This seems the same as the above one at first glance. Again I may leave it until later.

Checking The HDD/SSD
I'll try this but unsure how relevant it is to solid state.
Although unsure how one gets to 'properties' without right clicking. Maybe if I went via control panel or something.
Hmmm. Yeah right click just screws up the Explorer window, and I can't even spot the main drive in the Device Manager.

CCleaner
Probably have this already installed somewhere. Tend to use it sparingly becuase I have had it get rid of stuff I wanted remaining, such as passwords or browser tabs. Too long ago to recall details now. May try this first though.

[barry1010]

Try clicking Start (the Windows icon bottom left) - scroll down for Settings.
In the panel that opens click 'updates and security'.
Scroll down the left hand list in the panel and click 'recovery'.
Now click 'get started' under Reset this PC.
Click 'keep these files' and then follow the instructions

[barry1010]

Dang - should have read your last post better. Resetting the PC is not as drastic as it once was - you can choose to keep all your files. Well worth doing.

[The Builder]

OG. No need to worry about Ccleaner.
When cleaning the system, it gives you the opportunity to "uncheck" the clearing of passwords and other data that you don't want touched.

[Old_Geezer]

Good grief, resetting plans to remove most of the programmes !
Maybe I'll try it tomorrow.

[Bertrum]

First you need to check the system files. Open an elevated command prompt (Type in the search box “cmd” from the results right click “cmd.exe” and select run as an administrator)
From the command prompt type “sfc /scannow” this will check and repair any corruption in your system files I would run this a couple of times If that fails to correct the fault save yourself time and aggravation and re install Windows

[Old_Geezer]

For some daft reason it isn't reacting to 'run as administrator'.
First time I've ever known that.