I've got an issue with the Windows 8 interface that I'm pretty sure was caused by me installing the latest version of my antivirus program, AVG. I had AVG Free 2013, and when it prompted me to install the latest update to AVG 2014, I did so. Then it asked me to restart my computer, which I did. That's when the problems started.
When it restarted, it gave me the screens as if I was starting up a new computer; intro screens on how to use Windows 8 and such. I knew that wasn't right, so I switched the computer off by holding down the power button. In retrospect, this seems like it was a stupid thing to do, because the next time I booted up the computer, it started acting funny,
It took me to the login screen like normal (no Windows 8 intro screens). I put in my password and it took about 15-20 seconds to start up, a little longer than usual. Then when it took me to the Home Screen, I noticed that all my usual apps were gone. I only had a split second to look at this screen though, because then it took me to a screen with just a blank purple background. After a couple of seconds, the screen turns black with the outline of the gray taskbar at the bottom of the screen, as if the desktop app is trying to start. But after one second of that, it takes me back to the Home Screen, blank screen, desktop, then Home Screen again in loop. The whole thing lasts maybe 8 seconds or so and repeats.
Any idea what I can do about this? Again, I'm pretty sure this is connected to me installing a new version of AVG but I'm not sure what to do about it.
I can still use CTRL+ALT+Delete and start the task manager. From the task manager I can start applications, which is how I started my browser and am posting this message now. When I started Firefox from the task manager, it asked me whether I wanted to import bookmarks (as if it was the first time I was starting the program). But looking through my hard drive it appears that nothing has been erased, it's just the Windows interface that's messed up.
EDIT: I'm not sure how to check which exact version of Windows 8 I have, but it is an HP Pavilion laptop if that helps.
Edited by darkgreen_orange, 24 November 2013 - 02:21 PM.