Solved Explorer.exe freezes Windows 7

[ben946210]

I have been having trouble of Windows randomly freezing sometimes on my desktop(first listed in specs). I figured it wasn't serious as it happen every now and then. Now, as of 2 days, it freezes every time I login. It freezes in a unique way: hard drive light goes solid but you can still click on some things or move the mouse before it will actually completely freeze. I have tried safemode which it still does the same thing unless I choose start with command prompt. So, I figure it must be explorer freezing it because it will freeze instantly if I start it using task manager. I have disabled many context menus, start up programs, and other various things to try to fix the issue. I am also having another issue when I click on the explorer shortcut in the taskbar it will say it is not associated. I have tried the exe association repairs and the registry fix from Microsoft, neither fixed the issue. I am not sure if the two are connected, that is why I mentioned it.

Any ideas what is causing the issue?

Thanks!

 

[ben946210]

I forgot to mention, I have also tested the SSD using sector scanners and SMART reporting, have tried sfc scans and chkdsk and found no errors on all.

 

[Layback Bear]

Take a read through this and see if it sounds like a problem you might have. I smells like some sort of infection to me.

Igfxupdate.exe forces cpu to load @ 100% - Microsoft Community

 

[ben946210]

Thanks for the response. I took a look at that but I don't think it is the same issue I am having. I do not hear the CPU fan speed up when it freezes so I don't think it is doing anything with CPU. Also, I didn't see anyone saying it actually freezes like I am experiencing.


Thanks!

 

[mitchell65]

Try running Malwarebytes, then Ccleaner.
Malwarebytes
CCleaner Free download and review from SoftM8

 

[ben946210]

Hi Mitchell!

I actually ran both of those programs already, including superantispyware and spybot. All three scanners showed nothing more than simple tracking cookies. Ccleaner didn't show much of anything for registry as I have ran it many times.


Thanks for the response.

 

[mitchell65]

OK Then next I would try a system restore to a point before this started to happen or better still do you backup with images like Macrium Reflect? If so use this to go back to the point before it happened

 

[Layback Bear]

Monitor Task Manager Performanc to see when this happens.
You state the C: drive activity light stays lit.

 

[ben946210]

I don't think I'll be able to monitor since it freezes right away. Also, the issue has been happening so long (just got worse recently) I don't think I would be able to go back as far as I need.

From your experience, does this sound like something wrong with explorer or something its launching? Or do you think it something different all together?

 

[ben946210]

I have started the computer today after it sitting off for a couple of days and it has not yet frozen. I'm guessing the problem still exists so I will continue to troubleshoot, but so far, so good. I read another forum where someone was troubleshooting the issue of association error with explorer.exe. In it, the person said he replaced explorer.exe with another copy from another Win 7 computer, maybe I'll try that just in case.

Thanks for all the help this far!

 

[Layback Bear]

Use this Tutorial. It might help and won't hurt.
By Brink:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Take a look at #7 and 8 in this Tutorial by Brink.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html

 

[ben946210]

Actually, I have not experienced a problem since my last post. I think the problem has passed? Anyways, I have made a backup in-case the problem comes back. I was one step from doing the inevitable of re-installing so I am happy I don't have to now!

Thanks guys!

I will mark this thread as solved.

 

[cdchase]

I have been using 2 usb hubs...one has 5 external HDDs....i recently reassembled my desktop computer, having plugged them into a different usb port...since then i have had that problem...so this morning i plugged my usb hubs back to the original ports and the problem is solved...no more hanging apps! Give that a try!
-PEACE

 

[cdchase]

I have been using 2 usb hubs...one has 5 external HDDs....i recently reassembled my desktop computer, having plugged them into a different usb port...since then i have had that problem...so this morning i plugged my usb hubs back to the original ports and the problem is solved...no more hanging apps! Give that a try!
-PEACE

 

[mitchell65]

Hi CD Chase and welcome to the Forum. Perhaps you didn't notice but this thread is 2½ years old!