Weird Issue- system 'hanging' when accessing files in certain ways x64

So I've been using my Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit install on my Sony AR670 laptop for a couple months straight now with no real issues but this one that started last week with no apparent cause and is getting very annoying.

The system 'hangs' or 'freezes' in a way when I do certain things like create a new file/folder or select a file from a 'browse' file box, especially say when I upload a file to a forum, like this one, using the "Manage Attachments" option... I use Chrome but this happens even in Windows so I'm sure it's not Chrome related... it has something to do with file access is my guess.

During the 'hang' I can still move the mouse and scroll windows but I can't press buttons, open menus, or issue any 'commands' if I do I get the windows 'alert' sound and nothing happens. The length of time of the 'hang' varies from a couple seconds to maybe 15 seconds or so when really bad.

Because it's so hard to describe exactly I haven't had much luck searching for a similar problem.

It also happens when renaming or moving files... The file will seem to revert back to its original name for a few seconds during which time I can't really do anything. If I try to rename it or move it again I get a message the file no longer exists then it will change to the name I gave it the first time.

Any ideas?

There was nothing installed immediately before this started best I can tell.

From your description, it sounds obvious that since the problem deals with accessing files, that it is likely due to some kind of hard drive issue...at least that would be a starting point. Check it with Hard Drive Tune or Hard Drive Tach. Since it could also be due to some kind of file system error, I would run sfc /scannow and chkdsk /r. From there branch out, because most anything is possible.

I ran those two scans, the first one said there were some errors it couldn't fix and made a log file- the log file was huge and had entries going back from like day 1 with this PC and many hundreds of entries from today... chkdsk didn't find any errors though I got my first BSOD on this PC when rebooting to run chkdsk after the first scan. I haven't noticed any other drive issues... I ran the Windows device troubleshooter but nothing of value found. Still having the issue. Where can I find this "hard drive tune" you speak of- is it something I can download b/c I've never seen it in Windows?

Thanks for the ideas BTW.

HD Tune website

Thanks, I ran the full error scan (took hours) and it came back clean/OK. All info reported seems good/normal... any other ideas out there?

Just out of curiosity, are you using an anti-virus, if so what is it?

If you aren't too tired of testing, here are a couple more:

Hot CPU Tester Pro free download. Hot CPU Tester Pro is a system health and stability tester. It tests CPU, and virtually all parts of motherboard for errors, bugs and defective compon...

Memtest86 - Download Page

Not certain it if it's a solution, but this thread may provide a clue:

Hang while trying to copy/cut and paste

GotMilk said:

Just out of curiosity, are you using an anti-virus, if so what is it?

I'm running the latest Avira.. Will check out your other links, thanks.