Windows Explorer won't allow files to be saved to Documents

Since last Tuesday's Microsoft Windows Update, my Windows Explorer is experiencing a number of issues.

The update hung for hours on "preparing to update" or some such thing.

I had to manually shut the computer off several times and finally tried the safe mode start, which warned me that the update was not fully done.

Now, when I click on Favorites/My Documents, it hangs; like it is searching but when the shaded bar gets to the end, it stays there and Explorer freezes. When I click on any the window, it goes whitish and a message pops up asking if I want to continue waiting or should the program be closed. I shut the program down.

If I click any other item on Favorites or Libraries, even Documents within Libraries, Explorer does ok.

When I try to save a file in Photoshop or Dreamweaver or any other program, a message pops up saying the program failed to respond and gives me the option to wait or close the program.

Even if I try to print to PDF, it does the same thing.

In other words any time I need to save any item from within any program, the programs freeze. I even changed the save folder in PDF Phantom, from documents to downloads and still it won't save.

My next step will probably be PC Restore and to hell with everything.

I tried system restore but it won't fully restore. A message pops up after the computer restarts saying that a complete restore was not done.

Next step PC Restore and start all over again, from scratch. hell!

Roxy

Roxy,
I second Rich's advise.

Here's the link:
Malwarebytes

Just 2 days ago, I used MalwareBytes to remove 190 infections from a chap's laptop.

I'm running Malwarebytes' for the last 44 minutes.

I'll post the results ASAP.

Thank you all.

Roxy

Excellent Roxy. This will either eliminate the problem or help us to know what to pursue next.

Depending upon the hardware and the size and number of files on the disk and depending upon quick or full scan, I've had MalwareBytes run for well over two hours, but never regretted one second thereof as MalwareBytes enabled me to solve a chap's problems.

After one hour and 18 minutes, Malwarebytes' says there are no malicious items detected and no files infected.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

Roxy

Richc46, FYI I had run an anti-virus previously.

Roxy