Start11 wiped out all of my Windows 10 settings

from Stardock Forums

I installed Start11 on my Windows 10 computer (it says it works with Windows 10 and 11) and when my system rebooted, I was faced with a new Windows 10 computer screen.  All of my settings and configurations lost.  All programs starting up like they were starting for the first time.  All activation codes and product keys had to be reentered.  Browser histories and 'favorites' gone.  Microsoft Office starting up like a new program with all email accounts having to be reestablished.  Unbelievable.  All of this happened on a stable Windows computer immediately after the install of Start11 and the required reboot.

stardock software
1,834 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

I am sorry you have experienced problems.

From the description this does not sound like anything Start11 could be responsible for.

The most likely explanation is your hard drive has experienced some data loss and Windows ran a fix.  This could be a sign of failing hardware or a momentary glitch (did Windows hang when trying to reboot).  Registry corruption seems high on the list of possible problems.

Because Start11 requires a reboot it probably exposed a pre existing problem that was going to happen next time you rebooted.

I would urge you to ensure you have recent backups and to scan the hard drive for errors. 

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

I know correlation is not equal to causation, but the proximity of these events does raise concern.  The computer has worked without problem and is regularly rebooted (at least once a day).  There was a notice when I prepared to install Start11 that some settings would change; the tone of the message implied that these would not be substantive.  After the install of Start10 and the reboot, though, everything changed.  I believe this bears further investigation by Stardock.

Galactic Civilizations IV
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Raym1234, reply 2

I know correlation is not equal to causation, but the proximity of these events does raise concern.  The computer has worked without problem and is regularly rebooted (at least once a day).  There was a notice when I prepared to install Start11 that some settings would change; the tone of the message implied that these would not be substantive.  After the install of Start10 and the reboot, though, everything changed.  I believe this bears further investigation by Stardock.
End of Raym1234's quote

I am afraid there is little we could further investigate as QA already test installs on Win 10 and 11 and have not encountered problems like that.  I am not aware of any issue like this being reported by any other person since we released Start8 back in 2012.  That said I will draw QA's attention to this report.

I am more interested in that message you mention telling you some settings would change.  What showed that as that isn't a Start11 message?

It is possible Windows installed a feature update at the same time and this went wrong hence the loss of settings?