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A sad emoji on the Windows 10 Start menu

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Alter16 Posted messages 11 Status Member -  
pistouri Posted messages 19010 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   -
Hello everyone, for the past few days I've noticed the appearance of a sad smiley on my Start menu. I have a custom version of Windows 10 (1809) that I've installed a few months ago. I thought it might be an infection or an update issue, so I scanned my computer with Avast Premium Security, then with Malwarebytes and finally with UbHachMe, and they found nothing. Also, I haven't noticed any malfunction or problems when running my various software. I upgraded to the latest version of Windows (1909), and the smiley disappeared, but since I didn't like this new version, I reverted to my old version, and the smiley was still there. You might say the problem is resolved, it's an update issue, so logically, all computers that haven't been updated should have this problem.
I'm waiting for your help
I have attached a screenshot of my Start menu.
Thank you.

3 answers

  1.
    pistouri Posted messages 19010 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   Ambassador 8 732
     
    Hello,

    It seems related to your Start menu StartIsBack.
    The sad emoji means that the trial version has ended; it’s a “Demo” version.


    Uninstall it or purchase the paid version.
    You might not see it in the control panel under → Uninstall a program
    It’s not easy to uninstall.

    First, check the options in StartIsBack; sometimes there’s a checkbox to uncheck or the word Remove.
    See if in the C:\Program Files (x86) or C:\Program Files → StartIsBack
    Find → uninstall.exe
    And click on it to start the uninstallation

    With hidden files, once deleted and after restarting your PC, remove if you still see traces of StartIsBack in:

    C:\Program Files (x86)
    C:\Program
    C:\ProgramData
    C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local
    C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming

    Show hidden files

    Or also with Revo.

    And in the Task Manager, if you see its process, then stop it.
    Why all this? Simply because you might end up with a black screen without even restarting the PC.

    Create a restore point just in case.

    See you later!

    6
    1. Alter16 Posted messages 11 Status Member 1
       
      Thank you very much for the time you took to respond to me. I will try to do what you outlined in your response, and I will keep you updated. Once again, a thousand thanks :)
      0
    2. Alter16 Posted messages 11 Status Member 1
       
      In the control panel, you can uninstall the program
      0
      1. pistouri Posted messages 19010 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   8 732 > Alter16 Posted messages 11 Status Member
         
        Hello,

        It's not StartIsBack but StartIsBack++
        You can uninstall it via the Control Panel as it is present.

        Price information if you wish to buy it one day:

        Source
        ...
        0
      2. Alter16 Posted messages 11 Status Member 1 > pistouri Posted messages 19010 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention  
         
        Hello, I'm sorry for the delay as I was traveling. You were completely right, I purchased StartIsBack for a few euros, and the issue is resolved. Once again, thank you so much :)
        0
      3. pistouri Posted messages 19010 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   8 732 > Alter16 Posted messages 11 Status Member
         
        Hello,
        Glad for you; thanks for the feedback (I was traveling)
        The new Start button in W10 is a bit confusing the first time.
        In the long run, you get used to it.... or not.
        Have a good day.
        0
  2. Alter16 Posted messages 11 Status Member 1
     
    Thank you for your reply, Windows is activated
    1