Solved Windows Explorer crashing whenever i open folders (of any kind)

[MazrimusTM]

I have an annoying problem that I can't seem to fix, or that doesn't seem to go away. My windows explorer keeps crashing constantly upon the opening of ANY folder. Be it "my computer" "documents" or simply the folder I've named "junk" on my desktop.

I've tried turning of all applications (msconfig->services) using selective boot-up.
I've ran sfc /scannow and it tells me I've got file corruption, but that it is unable to fix.
I've run windows in safe mode, but the same problem persists even there.
I've also tried a system restore - which I was told would be ineffective, something I found to be true.

I was told to copy some files in the c:/ folder, but since windows explorer crashes before I can get there, such suggestions are moot.

I cannot run scandisk, because I cannot reach that part of the computer. All other applications run perfectly.

I'm running an Asus G74SX:
Intel Core i7 2670QM / 2.2 GHz
500 GB Hybrid Drive / 7200 opm
Serial ATA-300
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M - 3 GB GDDR5 SDRAM

I'm at a loss as to what to do - and my options seem limited.

 

[Golden]

Hello MazrimusTM and welcome to SevenForums,

Sometimes running sfc /scannow up to 3 times one after the other is able to fix corruptions. If you have already tried that, then you might consider doing a Repair Install. This tutorial will explain what you need to do:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

Regards,
Golden

 

[MazrimusTM]

I had initial success through formatting one of my drives - installing all the updates and using the error check. After restarting though, the same problems occured once more.

My laptop came with Win 7 installed -and I cannot remember if the windows disk was included... What could cause an issue like this though? I have the same problem on my desktop - though somewhat more sporadic. Seems terribly sloppy that these problems should occur at all..

 

[Golden]

Hi,

Thats odd that you get the same issue on both computers, but generally speaking these don't really occur that often. I recommend running the Repair Install.

In addition, can you please follow this tutorial so we know what sort of system we are dealing with:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/180324-system-info-see-your-system-specs.html

Regards,
Golden

 

[Carbon6]

You don't have any third party Internet Explorer plugins do you?
Some of these will interact with Explorer, and if badly written, can bring it down.

I would suggest posting a hijackthis log, so others may see what you have installed.
Generating HijackThis logs for malware analysis

 

[MazrimusTM]

Error

An error message now accompanies the general shut-down of windows explorer (not IE, as a previous replier seemed to believe )

it goes as follows
the instruction at 0x800051da referenced memory at 0x027a0000, memory could not be read.

Oh, joy.

Is there anything apart from a restore with system disk that I can try. Not much seems to be helping.

 

[MazrimusTM]

I have in addition added my specs, following your tutorial, Golden.

Here are my specs.

OS Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1 CPU Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2670QM CPU @ 2.20GHz Motherboard ASUSTeK Computer Inc. G74Sx Memory 8,00 GB Graphics Card(s) NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M Sound Card (1) NVIDIA High Definition Audio (2) NVIDIA High Definitio Monitor(s) Displays N/A Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 109 Hz Hard Drives ST95005620AS

 

[Golden]

I still recommend a Repair Install.

Regards,
Golden

 

[MazrimusTM]

After much trial and error I have discovered the source of my problems, a driver that for some strange, cosmic and unknown reason (at least to me) interfered with several processes on my computer. The driver in question was the sentelic touchpad driver/client. Once uninstalled, reinstalled and updated my problems went away.

I am confident that this was the issue - since the same issue came back once I reinstalled the same version once more - and not whilst updated. I tried several different configurations. Should anyone else encounter the same issues on the same platform as I - let them know that both intels turbo boost and the touch pad clients are prone to instabilities.

Thanks for your time

 

[seavixen32]

Thanks for posting your solution as it may help others with a similar problem.

 

[Golden]

Thats great news, and good detective work on your part. Much simpler than a repair install. Well done!