Windows 7 - Explorer.exe?

i have had a small problem with explorer lately (or at least that is what i think it is) it has happened a few times now, i start doing something, and the program stops responding, which i really dont mind that much, but the problem is that after i close the program, i cant do anything! i try to open files, and i cant, i try to use already running applications, and i cant, i cant even shut down or restart without physically pressing the button. its really starting to bug me, cuz i was trying to save an image, and it saved the filename, but it didnt have anything on it, so i lost the image. please help

When it happens, press ctrl-alt-delete, go to Task Manager/File/New Task Run/type explorer.exe, click ok.
You might want to run SFC.
SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Take a look at this thread too.
Starts up without explorer.exe

i have already tried that, i start a new explorer, and the desktop comes back, but then about 5 seconds later another explorer.exe shows up in the processes tab, and i cant end it, but i can end the one i put in there. i had the same problem in XP, but it didnt do what its doing in 7, all it did was confuse me. now im confused and angry at the same time (i still find comfort in the fact that its better than MAC tho)

Just a thought...
Please try unplugging all USB devices on your computer except the mouse and keyboard. If you have a multi-monitor system, please unplug the others and just use your main one.

I'd also take a look at your start-up items and remove non-critical ones. Might also be caused by an incompatible program that was installed in the system. I'm sure that if there was one, youd've been informed during the installation.

I'm sure that's there's some conflict going on in there. I'd be interested to know what's causing these

being as this was a new machine, and i still use my old machine (on it right now, while listening to music on the new one) i have nothing but a wireless keyboard attached to it, and i ran out of monitors seeing as i dont have one compatible with DVI. as for the start up
items, i only ever use the bare essentials at startup to keep it speedy (old habit)

you and me both