Solved Metro Apps Crash to Desktop or Don't Operate Correctly

Steve C

Member
Power User
Messages
275
Location
UK
I initially created the thread below but I have since discovered the problem relates to many apps and not just the People app.

http://www.eightforums.com/software-apps/47601-people-app-opens-then-crashes-desktop.html

I have a new Dell laptop running Windows 8.1 Core Edition. After only a week I found most of the apps would crash to the Desktop on opening. I thought I had solved the problem by creating a new user account and reinstalling the apps but that only worked for a week before the same problem reappeared.

This is what I have discovered to date:


  1. Initially most apps crashed on opening
  2. Reinstalling the apps made many of them work but there are still some issues e.g. selecting Maps within Bing weather causes the app to crash
  3. The apps work fine in a new user account or in other local accounts I have not used much to date
  4. None of the steps recommended in http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/21051-apps-tiles-not-working-responding-fix-windows-8-a.html solves the problem
  5. I've spent an hour with Microsoft Support who have found no obvious problem and have escalated the problem to the next tier

The problem appears to be due to access rights and priveliges in user accounts since the apps work in other accounts or if I create a new account.

Could someone please explain what may be the cause of the problem. Please advise where the apps are located for each user account and whether there is way of checking that they are set up to have the correct access rights and privileges.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Build
    CPU
    Intel i3570K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-77X-UD5H
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire R9 280X Toxic
    Sound Card
    Realtek on motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonic VP2770
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Intel 520 180GB SSD
    Seagate 2T HDD
    Seagate external 1T USB HDD
    PSU
    XFX 850W
    Case
    Nanoxia Deep Silence 1
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Microsoft
    Mouse
    Microsoft
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
Steve, this is a common problem - I haven't been able to find a solution for it yet. There are many threads on the Internet about it and many suggested solutions, but none work for me. I, too, can't figure out where the problem lies. If you find a solution, please post it. Hope you have better luck!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion p6230f
    CPU
    HP AMD Phenom II X4 810
    Motherboard
    FOXCONN ALOE
    Memory
    8 GBytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI/AMD Radeon HD 42
    Sound Card
    ATI/AMD SB600 - High
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SE198WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3750528AS
    Browser
    IE 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Thanks for your advice. It appears Microsoft Apps are poorly designed and supported compared to my positive experience with Apple Apps on an iPod Touch.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Build
    CPU
    Intel i3570K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-77X-UD5H
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire R9 280X Toxic
    Sound Card
    Realtek on motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonic VP2770
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Intel 520 180GB SSD
    Seagate 2T HDD
    Seagate external 1T USB HDD
    PSU
    XFX 850W
    Case
    Nanoxia Deep Silence 1
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Microsoft
    Mouse
    Microsoft
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Thanks. I've been through all of those steps but none worked.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Build
    CPU
    Intel i3570K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-77X-UD5H
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire R9 280X Toxic
    Sound Card
    Realtek on motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonic VP2770
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Intel 520 180GB SSD
    Seagate 2T HDD
    Seagate external 1T USB HDD
    PSU
    XFX 850W
    Case
    Nanoxia Deep Silence 1
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Microsoft
    Mouse
    Microsoft
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
You're welcome. This is not a common problem as some claim, otherwise there would be a barrage of threads on it. Perhaps it's time for a refresh?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
There might not be a barrage of threads about it but I don't think that's a fair way to measure whether it's a big problem or not.
Most threads have around 250 views but (as an example)... 'Windows 8.1 Most Metro Apps crash immediately at launch' ... has 124,201 views !!!!
That tells me that this problem is possibly more widespread than you think and that many people are still looking for an answer.
I've tried all the 'solutions' but they haven't worked and I'm not prepared to refresh my computer every time this happens.
I tend to agree with a previous poster that the Apps are poorly designed.
But hey, I've solved the problem. I've installed Start8 and disabled all access to the Metro Apps.
Microsoft's loss, not mine.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Pro plus Windows 8.1 Pro VM
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    i7-3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H
    Memory
    16 GB x G.SKILL Ripjaws
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GTX560
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Main - OCZ Vertex4 128 GB Solid Drive
    Sec - Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000D 1TB
    PSU
    Seasonic X-760
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF912 ATX Mid Tower
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro Series H80 CPU water cooler
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Eset
I'm unwilling to do a refresh since I have no confidence the problem will not reappear based on my experience and comments on this forum and elsewhere.

We need to understand what is actually going wrong and identify a solution based on that understanding. It's over to Microsoft I guess to fix a fundamental problem in a main feature (metro apps) of Windows 8,
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Build
    CPU
    Intel i3570K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-77X-UD5H
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire R9 280X Toxic
    Sound Card
    Realtek on motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonic VP2770
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Intel 520 180GB SSD
    Seagate 2T HDD
    Seagate external 1T USB HDD
    PSU
    XFX 850W
    Case
    Nanoxia Deep Silence 1
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Microsoft
    Mouse
    Microsoft
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
Microsoft Support solved the problem by doing an in place repair. I also now have the Windows 8.1 installation files on my PC and a standard product key from Microsoft ((I think) rather than Dells's OEM key. I'm still curious to know why the problem occurred in the first place.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Build
    CPU
    Intel i3570K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-77X-UD5H
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire R9 280X Toxic
    Sound Card
    Realtek on motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonic VP2770
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Intel 520 180GB SSD
    Seagate 2T HDD
    Seagate external 1T USB HDD
    PSU
    XFX 850W
    Case
    Nanoxia Deep Silence 1
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Microsoft
    Mouse
    Microsoft
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
That's good to read that it's fixed, Steve. Yes, it would be nice to know what they did. Did you watch? Did it take them long?

They gave you an ISO? With keys?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Microsoft Support ran through many of the steps in http://www.eightforums.com/tutorial...orking-responding-fix-windows-8-a.html?filter but I had already tried those. They then suggested creating a new user account but that solution had only lasted a week for me.

MS then downloaded the Windows 8.1 installation files into folder C:\ESD and ran an in-place repair install from those files. On completion which took ages, Windows 8.1 reported as unactivated. MS then provided a new product key and all is fine. The apps all work (at least for now) and all my programs and files are intact. I had to update my screen personalisation and the locations of some Outlook default folders but that was all.

The product key differs from my Dell OEM key. I don't know if it is a retail key or something else.

I've also created a bootable Windows 8.1 USB flash drive by the following procedure. I used the program ESD-TO-ISO to create an ISO image. See Option 3 in http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html. Note I had to copy the program and directory to the root of my C: drive before it would run. I then used Rufus to create a UEFI bootable flash drive from the ISO image - see Option 1 in http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/15458-uefi-bootable-usb-flash-drive-create-windows.html
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Build
    CPU
    Intel i3570K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-77X-UD5H
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire R9 280X Toxic
    Sound Card
    Realtek on motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viewsonic VP2770
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Intel 520 180GB SSD
    Seagate 2T HDD
    Seagate external 1T USB HDD
    PSU
    XFX 850W
    Case
    Nanoxia Deep Silence 1
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Microsoft
    Mouse
    Microsoft
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
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