Windows (10) won't open programmes

relic245

In the last few days when I try to open the WhatsApp desktop version nothing happens. The only way that I can open it is to re-run the installer - it doesn't go through the install process, it just opens as normal. 

This morning I tried to open Loom (3rd party video app) and it won't open either. It worked last week! I've uninstalled and installed the latest version. When I click on the icon to open it, nothing. 

Any way I can troubleshoot this? 

I'm pretty IT literate, maybe there is a log file somewhere that will give me a clue.

Cirrus

Are you getting a warning about missing/corrupt .dll files? I had what you described, starting with Whatsapp, and ultimately had to reinstall windows so I'm interested in any insight others have too...

Snags

Work colleague is having a similar issue with WhatsApp.

My normal go-to for App related nonsense is to reset the Store, and if necessary rebuild the apps via powershell. Also with doing a dism check and restore health, or sfc check for the "odd"ones. 

relic245

Cirrus said:

Are you getting a warning about missing/corrupt .dll files? I had what you described, starting with Whatsapp, and ultimately had to reinstall windows so I'm interested in any insight others have too...

No nothing and that's the weird bit. 

Literally nothing happens when I click. 

Hope I don't have to reinstall windows. The laptop is only 3 months old. Seems a bit early for that nonsense. 

Also I have so many apps etc that it takes a day to get everything installed and ready again. 

Chris.B

I have the same problem here, I assumed it was my PC. 

I've not noticed any problems with other apps, just Whatsapp.  I just added a shortcut to the installer file and use that as a bodge

crunchman

I'm having the same problem with Whatsapp.

Chris.B

Could there be a bug in the current version of Whatsapp for Windows perhaps?

relic245

Chris.B said:

Could there be a bug in the current version of Whatsapp for Windows perhaps?

Sounds possible if it’s not just me.

Jonathangus

Had the same problem a few days ago.  Reinstalled WhatsApp and been fine since.

crunchman

Jonathangus said:

Had the same problem a few days ago.  Reinstalled WhatsApp and been fine since.

I've reinstalled it about 3 or 4 times now.

Axe_meister

Did you de-install before reinstalling?

randella

This happened to me too, WhatsApp just wouldn't start. I have a vague memory (don't hold me to this) that when I first installed it I used a package downloaded from the WhatsApp website in the trad way. When I reinstalled it to fix the problem, I did it via the Windows store.

I don't know if you've tried this, but it might be worth a go. Mine's worked fine ever since, given the bombsite that is the average developer's work machine that's quite an achievement

crunchman

Axe_meister said:

Did you de-install before reinstalling?

I definitely did the first time.

SteveRobinson

Is it in "S" mode maybe? 

relic245

SteveRobinson said:

Is it in "S" mode maybe? 

Mine is definitely not in s mode

Chris.B

WhatsApp is now opening for me.  I uninstalled the app and then downloaded the installation file from the Whatsapp site.  The version number is the same but the digital signature has a different date and the file size is different, so they may have added a fix without changing the version number. 

So far so good, after 2 days. 

crunchman

I also uninstalled, and reinstalled with the latest version of the installer from the Whatsapp website at the weekend.  Still working so far.

Bod

I had this problem and it was resolved by uninstalling completely and reinstalling the version from the Microsoft Store.

EDIT : Just saw @randella's post above, who did the same

Nitefly

Programmes?  Thought this was going to about the BBC Home Service... 

relic245

Bod said:

I had this problem and it was resolved by uninstalling completely and reinstalling the version from the Microsoft Store.

EDIT : Just saw @randella's post above, who did the same

Yep this has worked for me too now. 

crunchman

relic245 said:

Bod said:

I had this problem and it was resolved by uninstalling completely and reinstalling the version from the Microsoft Store.

EDIT : Just saw @randella's post above, who did the same

Yep this has worked for me too now. 

I think the latest version works wherever you get it from.  I downloaded it from their website at the weekend and it's still working now.