"Windows Explorer has stopped working" on startup after update

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Premium x64
       #1

    "Windows Explorer has stopped working" on startup after update


    After updating yesterday, explorer.exe no longer starts correctly, either on startup or manually. A windows restore to before my latest updates fixes the problem, but installing the updates causes the problem again. I do want to keep the system up to date, so I figure I shouldn't just turn automatic updates off. Some notes:

    • I sit on the "Welcome" screen after logging in for longer than usual before getting to the desktop.
    • "Personalized Settings" seems to be what's causing the issue - this is the window that freezes.
    • I don't have a start bar.
    • Everything else works fine - I can launch programs through the command line or task manager, including windows explorer.
    • My wallpaper no longer loads - or, to be more precise, it's just a black color.
    • I have DisplayFusion installed, but I uninstalled it and this had no effect.

    Here's a screenshot of the symptom along with my recent update history.

    I'm not totally averse to reinstalling windows, but I do want to make sure the same thing doesn't just happen again. Anyone have ideas?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,566
    Windows 10 Pro
       #2

    Please Run sfc /scan now using option 2 in this tutorial: SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

    Please post back the results.

    Or option 1 at boot might be easier for you.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,346
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #3

    chaosed0 said:
    After updating yesterday, explorer.exe no longer starts correctly, either on startup or manually. A windows restore to before my latest updates fixes the problem, but installing the updates causes the problem again. I do want to keep the system up to date, so I figure I shouldn't just turn automatic updates off. Some notes:

    • I sit on the "Welcome" screen after logging in for longer than usual before getting to the desktop.
    • "Personalized Settings" seems to be what's causing the issue - this is the window that freezes.
    • I don't have a start bar.
    • Everything else works fine - I can launch programs through the command line or task manager, including windows explorer.
    • My wallpaper no longer loads - or, to be more precise, it's just a black color.
    • I have DisplayFusion installed, but I uninstalled it and this had no effect.

    Here's a screenshot of the symptom along with my recent update history.

    I'm not totally averse to reinstalling windows, but I do want to make sure the same thing doesn't just happen again. Anyone have ideas?
    Are you familiar with checking update history? You can selectively remove updates or rollback the computer and selectively install them. By doing so, you can isolate the problem update and then check the purpose or reason for the update which may or may not apply to you.

    HTH
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3,487
    Win 7 Pro x64/Win 10 Pro x64 dual boot
       #4

    Do you see a watermark in the lower right corner of the main screen? The screen where your wallpaper should be?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Mellon Head said:
    Do you see a watermark in the lower right corner of the main screen? The screen where your wallpaper should be?
    No watermark. I'm aware that this is something that happens when you don't have genuine windows - I acquired this copy through my school's MSDNAA program, so it shouldn't be an issue.

    Are you familiar with checking update history? You can selectively remove updates or rollback the computer and selectively install them. By doing so, you can isolate the problem update and then check the purpose or reason for the update which may or may not apply to you.

    HTH
    There were ten or fifteen updates that I'd installed at once - might be time consuming. I figured I'd post here first, to see if anyone had a quick idea. This will be my next step though.

    Please Run sfc /scan now using option 2 in this tutorial: SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

    Please post back the results.

    Or option 1 at boot might be easier for you.
    Sorry, I forgot to say - I already did this. Still, I did it again, just to make sure:

    Code:
    C:\Windows\system32>sfc /scannow
    
    Beginning system scan.  This process will take some time.
    
    Beginning verification phase of system scan.
    Verification 100% complete.
    
    Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 3,487
    Win 7 Pro x64/Win 10 Pro x64 dual boot
       #6

    chaosed0 said:
    No watermark. I'm aware that this is something that happens when you don't have genuine windows - I acquired this copy through my school's MSDNAA program, so it shouldn't be an issue.
    I was just wondering if the updates accidentally invalidated your copy of Windows. It's been known to happen.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I was just wondering if the updates accidentally invalidated your copy of Windows. It's been known to happen.
    No problem - I wasn't taking offense. In any case, no watermark.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 2
    MA
       #8

    Try removing the following update:

    Security Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2926765)

    You can do this by booting into safe mode, opening "Programs and Features" in Control Panel, and then selecting "View installed updates" from the left panel.

    This update caused the same explorer.exe crash for me, and removing it resolved the issue. I do, however, still see a "Windows Explorer has stopped working" message every time I boot up, but the process just restarts and I'm able to use my computer normally. Hopefully Microsoft releases a patch for this soon.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 4,566
    Windows 10 Pro
       #9

    Thanks for the sfc scan.

    Since you stated system restore resolved the issue, do it again.

    Then before manually installing them, disable your antivirus protection and all programs running-as well as by the clock.

    Then install the updates 1 by 1 until you find the exact update causing the issue. When you find out which one it is post back.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1
    Windows 7 Home premium 64 bit
       #10

    I apologize for being a "me too", but I am having the exact same problem. If you have been able to narrow down the exact update causing the issue, I would be grateful for the information.

    If not, I will join you in your quest as soon as I can. Hopefully dstutzman is correct and simply ignoring that update will avoid any problems.
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:07.
Find Us