"Unfortunately messaging has stopped" - and won't restart

[AC Question]

Hello! In the last few days my built-in Messaging app, the factory one that came with my Galaxy S4, has stopped working. The icon is still there but any time I try to open it, I get the dreaded "Unfortunately, Messaging has stopped" error and none of the solutions i've tried have worked.

Clearing the cache and clearing the app data has not solved this, and I tried restarting the phone in safe mode and still had the same problem. Before safe mode, the app at least showed the number of incoming messages I had before, but after safe mode even that number is gone and I have just the app icon.

I've since tried to install several other messaging apps (Facebook and Google messengers) but those and Hangouts all seem unable to retrieve or connect to anything I had stored in there. Switching the default app has not fixed anything, and I tried to upgrade my Andriod software but the upgrade has been failing to install fully.

Any suggestions? The messaging app says it is version 4.4.4-I337UCUFNJ5 and my settings says I am operating Android version 4.4.4 - the only thing I have NOT tried yet is a factory reboot but any help would be MUCH appreciated!

 

[Rukbat]

It sounds like a corrupted system (ROM). You can try reinstalling Android (it's boring, but not difficult - see [Samsung] How to flash Stock ROM via ODIN). (If it's bad storage, you'll need a new motherboard, and given the age of the phone, paying that much for labor is hardly worth it.)

 

[Noor Husni]

Why when i open facebook unfortunately messaging has stopped ? Istagram same