Windows Explorer Crashing

somersaultsofa said:

I'm running Windows 7 x64, and it's been working out fine for a couple of months. Then, just two or three days ago, (I didn't download anything, update anything, or change system files) Windows Explorer has been acting up. When I log in, everything's fine, and I can start applications normally. However, in two or three minutes, the dock on the bottom freezes, and it doesn't seem to sense my mouse when I scroll over it(the items don't light up like they usually do). The desktop also is frozen, so I cannot start any new applications- I can run the current ones fine, but cannot start any new ones, as when I click on the dock or desktop, it freezes and I have to do control-alt-delete and log off or shut down.

I've tried rebooting, which didn't work. Safe mode did work, but I'd like to get it to work in normal mode as well.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Go to system restore, if any of the restore points are prior to your problem, go back to that point in time. Your system should be fine.

somersaultsofa said:

Oh, and I'm running Premium. A clean install is not an option as the computer came pre-loaded with 7.

Actually a clean install maybe possible. Some computers come with a procedure to restore to factory settings.
If it is dell the DVD, supplied with the puter, is just a restore factory settings. But, then again, just type System Restore in search and then restore to a point prior to your problem.

Please scan the system for viruses - that will account for the symptoms that you're experiencing.
Please let us know the exact make and model of the system.

If the system is clean, then try running SFC.EXE /SCANNOW in an elevated (Run as administrator) Command Prompt.

Since the issue doesn't occur in Safe Mode, but does in normal mode - you'll have to identify what loads differently, and that will contain the cause of the problem. Here's a post from this link that may help in doing this ( Windows Explorer in Windows 7 keeps crashing...then trying to restart...anyone else have that problem? Anyone know if Microsoft is working on an update or something to fix it? )

Hi SonyBoy_Fusion,


Welcome to Microsoft Windows 7 Answers Forum!

Method 1
Please check whether you face the same issue while working in the safe mode.
Step 1 Safe Mode
1. Restart your computer.
2. When the computer starts you will see your computer's hardware being listed. When you see this information start to gently tap the F8 key on your keyboard repeatedly until you are presented with the Windows 7 Advanced Boot Options screen.
3. Using the arrow keys, select the Safe Mode option you want.
4. Then press the enter key on your keyboard to boot into Windows 7 Safe Mode.
5. When Windows starts you will be at a typical logon screen. Logon to your computer and Windows 7 will enter Safe mode.
6. Do whatever tasks you require, and when you are done, reboot to go back into normal mode.

Steps 2. Clean Boot
If the issue existed in Safe Mode perform Clean Boot troubleshooting to find the root cause of the issue:
Clean Boot Troubleshooting:
1. Click Start, type msconfig in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
User Account Control permission.
If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the
password, Or click Continue.
2. On the General tab, click Selective Startup.
3. Under Selective Startup, click to clear the Load Startup items check box.
4. Click the Services tab, click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box, and then click Disable All.
5. Click OK.
6. When you are prompted, click Restart.
7. After the computer starts, check whether the problem is resolved.

If the issue is resolved check which third party is causing the problem, referring the link given below:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

8. Also you need to uninstall and reinstall the problem software on your computer.
Reset the computer to start as usual
9. After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps to reset the computer to start as usual:
Click Start, type msconfig.exe in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
10. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue. On the General tab, click the Normal Startup option, and then click OK.
11. When you are prompted to restart the computer, click Restart.

Method 2.
I would also recommend you to run online Virus Scan to remove any infections, if present.
Follow the link below to run the free online scan:
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

The following thread discusses about removing viruses and malware online:
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistasecurity/thread/ba80504b-61f1-4d71-960f-b561798b7b42


Hope it helps.

Thanks and Regards:
Shekhar S - Microsoft Support.