I'm having massive problems with my metro apps

martinlink

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Hey guys, I'm having massive problems with my metro apps. At first, they worked for like 2 months now, all fine and dandy. Today, I tried running the weather app to check up on the freezing cold outside, to find that my apps didn't work at all. They would start up normally, full screen with the big icon in the middle, but then suddenly close. This happened every time I tried the apps; the only one that still worked was the "Store" app. So I tried reinstalling the news app to see if it is still broken after that - now it stays at the loading screen forever until I close it (with the little circles spinning under the icon).

So as I had my UAC turned all the way down to "do not notify" but was still getting annoying messages, I tried the fix in the previous post to turn off UAC completely in hopes that this would get rid of the annoying messages and also maybe fix my apps. My apps are still broken, but the annoying messages are almost gone (only messing around deep inside the Windows folder pops some messages up).

So my question: how do I go about fixing my apps? I've tried reinstalling them, updating them, starting them about a million times, hoping every time that they would miraculously work (it's Christmas - miracles could happen?) - NOTHING.
I've read that many users with Avast antivirus have had the same issues, but I don't have Avast nor any other free antivirus; I have ESET installed, also tried disabling that to no avail.

Funny thing is, this is the first OS that I've legitimately acquired and activated. Probably the last one after this nuisance of a problem.


EDIT: Thanks for moving this to the proper section, whoever did it ;)
The first time I noticed this problem was today, so I uninstalled the 5 updates I had today. We'll see if it solves my problem.

Update: Nope, still no working metro apps. Any tips on what I could try? I'm all for troubleshooting and I'm comfortable in changing registry values if needed. I'd just like to get this thing to run as stable as Windows 7 did!

Update 2: Now randomly after I restarted my PC after uninstalling the updates from today, most of my startup programs are not starting up at all. Need advice, and quick!
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64 with media center
turning off UAC will disable many Metro apps.

you only need 1 firewall/antivirus running. choose one and uninstall the other. they will conflict with each other. if your ESET is not confirmed to be fully Windows 8 compatible, you should wait for an officially updated version and not use the old version.

did you update any device drivers recently like your graphics card?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
I last updated my graphics driver (Catalyst 12.11 for my HD6950) about a week ago, and after that the apps still worked.

I have since re-enabled my UAC, put it to default level and even to the highest possible level just to test. Also, my windows and ESET firewall was turned off the whole time as I connect to the internet through a router with a hardware firewall. I have not made any changes to my computer really before I noticed the apps not working. The latest program I installed is Adblocker (which works really well I must say) but I doubt it could be the issue here...

I ran sfc /scannow and it found errors but couldn't fix them.

Update: I uninstalled and reinstalled all my apps. Now only the News, Travel, Weather, Sports and Finance ones don't work. What do these have in common? Maybe that can lead us to the root of the problem.
Really bummed cause Weather was the only one I used regularly :( AccuWeather isn't nearly as exact and as good looking...

Also I noticed that the ones that don't work have the loading circle much smaller than the ones that actually work. Is there any way to completely clear all traces of these non-working apps to try and freshly install them?
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64 with media center
will you try something for me? go to device manager. go to your ATI 6950 and go to the driver tab and roll back to the last driver. if you can roll back to the original Windows 8 ATI driver, that would be even better. Reboot the PC. And then report on the Metro apps' behavior.

you can always reinstall the latest driver so there shouldn't be any problem with this request.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
Rolled back to my previous one (12.10) and still getting the same results. The only reason I updates to 12.11 was because Photoshop was flickering uncontrollably, but that's a whole other story.

I tried deleting the files of the "finance" app from Program Files\WindowsApps, after the store redownloaded it, it was still doing the same thing (indefinite circle of dots spinning).

Update: Uninstalled ESET, everything is the same. Tried disabling every program imaginable from my startup and ended up with a clean boot (only realtek sound manager needed to open), still the same issue persists. Running out of options over here.

Update 2: Now that I monitored the event log thoroughly during the install of these apps, I noticed this message:

Windows Store detected a license issue with package Microsoft.BingSports_1.7.0.26_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe - the package must be licensed before you can use it.
Result code: 0x0


Windows Store detected a license issue with package Microsoft.BingNews_1.7.0.27_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe - the package must be licensed before you can use it.
Result code: 0x0

Update 3: add SkyDrive and Skype to the list of non-working programs. Is there really no way to reset all metro apps to the vanilla state without affecting any of my installed desktop programs (games etc, these all seem to work 100%)???
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64 with media center
I tried to change my Local account back to a Microsoft account with my e-mail, but it just stays at the "please wait" screen with the loading thing spinning indefinitely. This has to be connected to the problem somehow.

I also tried to disable all services that are not necessary for basic internet connection and then tried to run the apps. Now they all ask for my login credentials but after I enter then, they either say they're unable to connect (Skype) or stay loading indefinitely...

AND! now my Windows Store has logged me out and when I try to log back in, it just stays loading indefinitely, as well as the xbox games app. Now I have no way to try and update any of my apps!!! HELP PLEASE!

AND! I'm getting 2 instances of this error on every startup: The Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant service terminated with the following error:
%%2147780739

^which might be linked to why I can't do anything with my microsoft ID. Manually starting the service yields another error!

I've wasted 2 whole days straight on this nuisance, I want my money back :rolleyes:
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64 with media center
you have a lot of issues going on. it's better that you not tinker under the hood if you don't understand what's happening.

for example, your metro apps are part of your user account and what apps you have is kept on the server or your account. you have the actual files on your hard drive. but what apps you have installed is understood via the account. that's why when you install Windows 8 fresh and reuse your Microsoft account, Windows 8 knows already which metro apps to download and reinstall for you. You don't need to do it yourself anymore because the account tells Windows 8 which apps you have installed.

That's why if you mess with the files manually by mucking through the hard drive, your account says you have so-and-so app but your hard drive is missing the file because you deleted it.

to uninstall software, you should be right-clicking on it and choosing the uninstall option. not manually editing or deleting files.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
I never mentioned that I'm just carelessly pillaging the metro apps folder, deleting whatever I can get my grubby mits on. Before deleting a folder, I did exactly that - right click on the app, uninstall, and only then delete the folder, after which I reinstalled the app in hopes of getting it to work. That's how I got the mail and social apps package to work, by the way. The other ones (News, Weather, Sports and Travel) just stayed loading after that.

So I got fed up with all this and restored my system to the 15th of dec, when the apps were definitely still working. But the very same apps don't seem to work, giving me a message that I should visit the store for more info. The store says that my developer license has expired... (?). After I reinstall the app, it just stays at the loading screen once again.

At least my Store now works once again...

Edit: I forgot to mention that the weather app shows up-to-date info on the live tile. But as soon as I reinstall it, it just stays idle with the sun icon on it, with no info. When I launch it, it keeps loading forever.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64 with media center
I didn't mean to specifically say you. For that I apologize. I meant a lot of people have been tinkering with files carelessly without know what they are doing. Just like with anything, you have to do some research and exploration. Not just blindly follow someone's instructions without knowing why you're doing what you're doing.

like if someone tells to to adjust certain registry settings, I'm not going to blindly just change them. I need to know what the settings do first. Otherwise, I could end up with a seriously messed up Windows.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
Yeah, I understand completely. It's just that I'm always careful, backing up everything and researching the possible outcomes before I do anything, no need to worry about that. It's just that this problem seems to be rather wide-spread and it's odd that nobody (not even MicroSoft officials) have supplied a viable solution. Gets me all worked up for nothing. Windows 7 was 100% stable and now all this hassle for some applications that fail to start... :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64 with media center
I am having the same problem. The apps on the start screen will not open. They open with the app main logo and stay that way for a while and then simply close and the start screen is back. The only thing I did today was disable my password. Any thoughts?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
Abaco, if you could try and uninstall-reinstall one of the apps, we'd know for sure that you're having the same problems. My apps behaved exactly the same as yours do now but after I reinstalled them, they say at the loading screen with the dots going round and round forever, until I close the app.

Reinstalling the Mail, calendar and social apps package made it work though, so you can try that. After uninstalling, find the corresponding app folder under "c:\program files\WindowsApps\ and delete it, then install it fresh from the Windows store.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64 with media center
I attempt to start one of the apps and it opens the splash screen and thats it - just sits on the splash screen for a few seconds until it is deemed to be inactive so it is then minimised to the background. When i re-open it from the background it is still on the splash screen. This is for all metro apps and I noticed it first on Wednesday (19/12/2012).

I uninstalled one of the apps and re-installed it - still didn't work.
I ran the app diagnostics tool - restarted - still the apps didn't work
I then refreshed Windows 8 loosing all of my installed legacy apps in the process - still the metro apps didn't work
Then re-installed Windows 8 from a USB flash drive - still the apps don't work

I have Windows 8 Pro 32bit with Media Center installed as an upgrade to Windows Vista on a old Dell Inspiron 1720. Installed Windows 8 in late October and only now has this started happening
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
Default

i had this issue early on with my win8pro upgrade. they just seemed to stop working. only the windows store worked. i had to manually uninstall and then reinstall every metro app.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Alright, it has been a while. on my previous win8 (upgrade from win7), the problems kept popping up at random, so I decided to do a full, clean install of windows 8. All drivers up to date, etc.


Guess what?

Yeah, my metro apps are still screwed up!! Same symptoms as before, after clicking on the tile, it goes full screen with the small logo in the middle, then after 1.5 seconds, it just vanishes without actually showing me the app.

the apps worked fine after I uninstalled and reinstalled them like 2 weeks ago, but the issue reoccurs after about 4-5 days, every time. Needless to say, I can't be arsed to reinstall them every 5 days, that would be just crazy.

So, now that the "upgrade < clean install" myth has been broken, does anyone have any proper tips on why this might be happening and how it could be fixed? And please, no more reinstalling. Ever!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64 with media center
Hello there. Murphy's law > If anything can go wrong it will. Computers have a double whammy > Hardware and software.

Although I see your apps work for awhile, something seems to go wrong. I don't know what machine you have or the age of it, but let's not keep hardware problem out of the picture. You may want to perform a memory test and a hard drive test. It could be an over heating problem. But, before that try http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/21051-apps-tiles-not-working-responding-fix-windows-8-a.html. I suggest to through the list to see if those help.
 

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 for the answer!

My PC specs: C2Q q9650, Asus P5QL-Pro, XFX HD6950 2Gb, 4Gb DDR2.

I constantly perform maintenance and monitoring on my hardware to keep it running fit, so I'd rule that out (performed memtest and HDTune tests just to be sure, everything comes up clean).

Just reinstalled the whole lot of apps again for the 3rd time, everything is running fine. But I'm more than certain that it won't take a week until I stop receiving desktop alerts of new mail, which is when I'll notice the apps stopped working again...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64 with media center
You're quite welcome. :) Does all your desktop applications run without fault?
 

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
Yeah, all my desktop apps work fine, and always have. It's the metro apps that keep causing me headaches all the time...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64 with media center
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