Windows Explorer problem

[mcolton]

I have xp home. When in Windows Explorer, if I right click on a file or folder, Explorer crashes. HELP

[Alan]

Can you tell us exactly what the error message says.
A couple of things in the meantime to try:
Try running "sfc /scannow" from the command line. It'll compare all your system files to see if any are damaged and if explorer is corrupted, fix it.
If your folders are in thumbnail view when they crash W.E, try switching them to a different view like icon or list view. It may be corrupted codecs.
What ever the outcome, let us know how you get on.

Thanks

[mcolton]

I get the error message
Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
Then it goes into the "Tell Microsoft about the problem" amd I send the error report. Then explorer closes.
I tried scannow and left. When I came back, it finished, I dont know if it did anything but Explorer still crashes.
It can crash 3 times and work the fourth time. There doesnt seem to be any pattern.
Thanks for your help

[Alan]

Scan your machine for Viruses, Adware and Spyware. If you have already done that, then it may well be a corrupt file, which using Windows repair from your installation disc should sort out.

[mcolton]

how do you do a windows repair from the original cd

[Alan]

OK, here we go,this is fairly straightforward.

Put your Windows Installation disk into the CD ROM drive and reboot.
When it loads you will get a screen asking you if you want to continue - click yes.
The next screen will say something like To Install Windows Press Enter, To Repair Windows Using The Recovery Console Press R
PRESS ENTER, you do NOT want the recovery console.
The next screen will say To Format The Hard Drive and Install Windows XP Press Enter, To Repair Windows Press R
This time PRESS R
Now just follow the on screen prompts.

You will not lose any settings or data, this option will only repair Windows. The wording will be slightly different, but dont worry, mine is in Swedish so I am translating it as best as I can.
If you are unsure or would like more details, just let me know.

[mcolton]

Sorry but it didnt work as you suggested. I put in the cd and rebooted and nothing happened. If I just put the cd in, I get a menu of items:
Install Windows xp
Install optional Windows components
Perform additional tasks
Check System compatibility

If I select Install xp, I get another menu that asks me to select what kind of installation I want, upgrade (recommended) or new installation. Upgrade option says something about automatically upgrading xp to a newer version.

[Alan]

OK, have you downloaded all the latest updates and patches?

[Alan]

Assuming the answer to my previous post is Yes, its time for a new approach!
I have exhausted all the possible causes that I know of, then with your version of XP being different to mine, it was time to talk with a couple of mates, who agree that the first port of call is spyware.

It could be a program that is not working properly, programmed improperly or spyware/viruses that have not been found by the standard route.
This is what I think you should try
Create a directory on your hardrive and call it ‘Hijackthis’. If you do not do this, you will not be able to use the backup/restore features.

Download HijackThis from this link.

Save this file into the directory you made previously and then run the program named hijackthis.exe.
When the program opens click on the Config button, then click on the Misc Tools button, and click on the Check for update online button. When it completes checking/applying updates press the back button.

Now click on the Scan button and when it is finished click on the Save Log button. A Notepad window will open with the contents of this log. Click on Edit then click on Select all. Then click on Edit and then Click on Copy, now paste it into a reply post here so I can look at it for you.
Don’t delete anything that HijackThis finds just yet.

[Rob]

MColton, What age is your computer? How long have you had it? Also, what brand is it?

[Alan]

The Micrsoft Website had this to offer, it may be the answer!

Regards

[mcolton]

The pc is a Dec/2001 brand x. The last things I loaded were Norton Internet Security package and Spy Sweeper. I dont remember the problem existing before loading the new programs although I can't be sure. I did have some spyware and viruses but I spent a lot of time erasing everything from the registry. That's why I have the Spy Sweeper now. I am pretty sure I am up to date with windows updates since these are done automatically.

This is really frustrating because it only occurs sometimes. If I reboot, sometimes it works again.
Thanks for your help. Trying to get help from Microsoft is an absolute joke.

[Alan]

Maybe someone else has a more positive solution but I was on a mission with it and lost. The only thing left I have is to reload windows.

regards