I’m using a desktop running Windows 7 Ultimate. My Audacity version is 2.1.0. I installed using the .exe. I’ve had Audacity for a year and a half now, and I haven’t had any problems since I first got it was still figuring out how to export mp3’s. I don’t know when it started. I remember it being fine just a few days ago. I don’t know if it has to do with this version or not. Either way, when I try to launch Audacity, the box showing the logo against a while background (It’s called “Audacity is starting up…”) shows up. And stays there. If I try to click it, a not responding error shows up and asks me if I want to close it. Same thing happens if I try to close the program through the taskbar. I’ve tried re installing it multiple times.
Did you install a new plugin, or a new audio device?
Try reinstalling again, but making sure you put a tick (checkmark) in the “Reset Preferences” box half way through the installation. When you launch Audacity, say yes when it asks if you want to reset Preferences. You should see a “Register Effects” dialogue. Look carefully for the effects listed there and consider unchecking any you are not sure about.
If you don’t see “Register Effects” then probably a plugin on your system is the cause.
Gale