Problems with Explorer.exe

[bostonfrog]

I recently had my Win 2000 Professional PC de-virused and have both Norton's LiveUpdate on when I'm online and Zone Alarm's firewall runs whenever I boot the computer. One problem that they didn't resolve, because I forgot to mention it to the techs who de-virused it, was a problem with the computer locking up in certain situations using Windows Explorer. I can explore folders and subfolders, but when I try to do a SEARCH on files or folders, the computer freezes up. After a few seconds or minutes, I get a message about an error with Explorer.exe and if I want to close this now. I don't want to re-install Windows, but I have a number of diskettes, including the Windows 2000 OS. Also, I do use a modem, and when I disconnect, the log-off panel and hourglass take 1.5 minutes or so to disappear. Additionally, it also takes 1.5 minutes or so for the hourglass to disappear after I clear my recent document history. These are minor annoyances, and was a problem early on when I bought the PC; I have used the WINNT32\Recent systems folder, open it, and delete the shortcuts there. However, I am far more concerned about the problems with Explorer.exe and the inability to search files and folders. Any help, utilities to repair this are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Cirrus9]

I had a similar problem a few years ago. I did a repair installation and it solved the problem.
Have you downloaded all of the Windows updates?
I think the problem you are having with the slow (process)hourglass related issues may have to do with the settings in NAV and Zone Alarm.
They tend to be very comprehensive in their scanning of info and it can consume a lot of your computer's resources.
Do you have NAV set to Smart Scan or Scan All?
Also, how do you have your startup menu configured? If you have a lot of progs running in the Background along with the two you mentioned, it could be part of the delay problem.
Hope this helps somewhat....

 

[bostonfrog]

Thanks for your feedback, Cirrus9, but I had these hourglass problems with recent document history and dial-up logon/logoff dialog before I ever installed Zone Alarm. What updates do I download from Microsoft that might help resolve this, and how would I otherwise configure NAV? This Explorer.exe error is particularly annoying, and I don't know how to perform a repair installation. Fooling around with operating systems is not my thing, and I usually stay away from tweaking Windows without some solid advice, so that's why I addressed this forum. Please advise and thanks! I will check my startup programs, but I only have NAV and Zone Alarm starting after I boot up. Of course, as it stands, I can't do a search for Startup folders!
-- Michel

 

[Cirrus9]

If you set yor BIOS to boot from CD or use the boot disk set you will start the installation process. It will start the blue installation screen process you saw when you first installed Win2k. It will take you through the process of loading drivers etc.
Don't worry if you read the instructions along the way you will have several chances to abort. It will come to a screen that will show a list your current partitions. You will then have a chance to select a partition to perform an operation with.
The choices will be to delete the partition or to repair the installation. Choose repair and it will do an overlay installation of windows, which is a replacement of windows only.
It will not affect other programs or your current windows settings.You will contiue through the installation process including the input of the windows serial key (make sure you have it handy before you begin).

You can review and download patches and fixes from microsoft's website

http://www.microsoft.com.

Choose the windows update link on the left. You probably need to make sure you have all of the service pack installations for windows and for MS Office (Office can cause a lot of issues).

STARTUP: Look online for the msconfig utility for win2k. It is a stand alone utility that you can download and use from anywhere on your PC. When you run it choose the startup tab and deselect any of the programs you don't need and restart.

NAV: You can choose the SmartScan feature in NAV Options. This looks for the files that most commonly harbor viruses and does not scan every file that comes throgh. It will speed you up a bit but reduce your virus protection. However, Zone Alarm should decrease your exsposure to port seeking viruses.

If you need more info just post back and I will try to help. Good Luck

 

[bostonfrog]

Thanks, Cirrus9, for all your input. I did read something before about creating a boot diskette, but Win2K came pre-installed on this Dell computer, so I never fooled around with it. Anyway, I will read your message and see if I am able to do this myself. I am a bit hesitant, though, as I want all my programs to continue working as before.

 

[Cirrus9]

If you are using a Dell, it will have an OS/Recovery disk with it. It works the same way. You jusat boot to the CD. But Before you install, be sure that there are no known driver incompatibility problems with the disk. It could interrupt the installation process and cause you to have to reinstall. Good Luck