Windows Explorer Crashes

[jclaire]

My windows 7 computer has crashed while using Windows Explorer - or most any file searches - since I bought it in late 2009. It has all the upgrades and modifications from Microsoft and Dell, and continues to crash. If I open Windows Explorer, a Browser or any other program with a "File/open" capability, merely while scrolling down the directory listing, it will crash - and worse, it will often take all the other opened programs on my screen with it. I have learned that re-trying two or three times somehow solves the program and I can get to what I'm looking for. Also, I have an old graphics program (Paint Shop Pro 5.1) which seems immune to this program. I'm running it under full compatibility mode, and I don't have this problem with it.
I have contacted Microsoft so many times - to no avail - that I finally dumped the computer and bought an Apple. But we all know that Apple has it's own problems, so I jump over to the Win 7 machine occasionally. So I have the two computer sitting here side-by-side. Like any strangers, they don't speak to each other, and I'm the third party who needs the friendship of both, individually. I have pretty much decided, however, this Windows 7 model will be my last PC unless someone totally brilliant comes up with a "why this is happening" saving grace. Best to all!

 

[writhziden]

It is difficult to know how to proceed without more information. Please follow the http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html even though you are not getting a blue screen crash. The Event Viewer logs may indicate what is causing the crashes.

In the meantime: Go through the steps for http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220165-troubleshooting-steps-windows-7-a.html

   Warning

Some of the steps require that you open up your system, so before doing any of the re-seating and connection checking steps, answer these two questions: Are you still under warranty? Does your warranty allow you to open up the machine to check hardware? If you are unsure of the answers to these questions, contact your system manufacturer. :warn:WARNING: Some steps in that tutorial involve removing the system case or system panels and can void your warranty!!!

The steps specifically related to the warning are steps 8, 10, and 11.