Windows 8 - Programs not loading

Hello,

I installed windows 8 a few weeks ago and never had any problems; suddenly some of my programs stopped working today. I don't remember installing/changing anything that could have caused this.

GTA: San Andreas gets stuck in the loading screen, windows still reponds but there is no way to minimize the game or end the task with the task manager. Only way out is to restart the computer or sign out and back in.
Skype gets stuck in this screen:

Anno 2070 wont even start up anymore.

Those are the ones giving me issues so far but the problem just started so I haven't had a chance to test other programs. I tried searching but I haven't seen anything similar to this; I've tried restarting the computer, system restore, and running the programs as administrator; as I said, everything worked fine yesterday, this started suddenly and it's ridiculous.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

My questions is was there a problem that lead you to switch to Windows8? And what O/S did you have before Windows8? If they worked under Windows7 guessing here then you shouldn't made the jump without backup your system just in case to re-image it back to Windows7 should you encounter problems as your describing now that is happening. I kinda figure someone would get bitten by Windows8 with software not working properly as the O/S isn't backward compatible with older software or the software doesn't have drivers that works with Windows8 and that the most likely scenario you ended up with.

 

Did you upgrade to 8, or do a clean install? I'm very leery of migration during upgrades; it's safer to do a clean install.

But I'm leaning on intuition (and a bit of experience) when I say that the problem is probably purely with Windows 8. Try re-installing said programs and see if they continue to lock up on you.

 

You could also set compatibility for the programs that are giving you trouble to windows 7. That worked on some of my G74 drivers that were giving me fits.

Other than that, 8 has been pretty flawless for me.

 

Running in compatibility mode didn't help

As I said, everything was working fine on windows 8, so it isn't a compatibility issue, it all just started suddenly out of the blues. I really don't want to have to resort to a clean install. :/

 

Ah, thought it might be worth a try. The only other thing that comes immediately to mind is firewall settings. I wonder if those programs that need internet access while loading are being blocked now. A windows update maybe...

 

I hear you. I was only suggesting re-installing the programs that aren't responding - not the whole OS. You'll just have to play it by ear.