Windows 7: Exporer freezes when right clicking on USB Pen Drive

This is a strange problem. Whenever i insert a usb pen drive and go to my computer, right clicking on the drive will cause explorer to freeze (only the my computer window) and I have to use the task manager to end the explorer process and then start it again. Double clicking and opening the drive has no problems. I have tried this with 5 different USB drives, and all of them exhibit the same problem. The drives have no viruses in them and have been scanned by ESET Smart Security 4.



Any help guys?

Hi Games Goblin,

You are right, it is a strange problem, lets see if I can help.

Are they being scanned for viruses as soon as you plug them in? Perhaps this is causing the delay. Test by temporarily turning off virus scanning and then plugging one in.

There are also programs that dump the contents of USB drives onto the hard drive (either maliciously intended or due to the installation of USB backup media) - check for one of these

See if the problem still occurs in Windows Safe Mode

Try other USB ports, preferably in the back (if you are using front usb)

Sorry for the late reply TimStitt, but you were right! It had something to do with ESET Smart Security. Go to advanced settings --> Real time file system protection and then uncheck the Removable media box. This solved it for me! Thanks again TimSitt!

You're very welcome!

It's good to know that it was the ESET Smart Security.
So let's call this a team effort

If you haven't already, please mark the thread as solved.

All the best

- Tim