Windows Explorer random freezes 2

[jpcw]

Hi,
I've been experiencing this problem for quite a while now and I'm at quite a loss as to how to find a cure. Basically, at apparently random occassions, when using explorer to do some file operation, it freezes, and as a result the desktop and taskbar become frozen too . I go into task manager through Alt-Ctrl-Del and kill the explorer.exe process and this recovers the situation (although I lose some of my system tray icons), but it's annoying to say the least, especially as there appears to be no pattern. I had thought that it occurred once Internet Explorer had been started and then trying to use win explorer, but I've had it happen once or twice when this hasn't been the case. I'm stumped . I'm loathed to reinstall for the sake of it as I have a lot of software installed (and I admit, this is probably where the problem lies). I was wondering if there are any diagnosis tools which will look at hooks, modules, dlls and so forth and identify malfunctioning or orphan ones that could be causing problems. Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[jpcw]

Oh, I should say, I've tried spyware detection, registry repair, disabling AV etc, to no avail.

 

[bcastner]

Two I use:

. The wonderful Sysinternals guys' AutoRuns. Start by clicking View and enabling all View options. It should show you many of the hooks that are in place. Recommended highly:

http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/autoruns.shtml

. ShellExView: An absolute Must Have:

http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/slowrightclick.htm

 

[kemomek]

jpcw,
my man, I have that exact problem for the last 3 months and I'm at my wits end with it. I, like yourself have tried 4 registry cleaners, reinstalled windows on top of the current installation, upgraded service packs and reluctantly downloaded all the post updates. I still have the problem. I'm not too sure what bcastner is suggesting.

Have you had any luck in fixing the problem since?

 

[bcastner]

bcastner was suggesting a possible issue with installed applications that have context menu entries.

For example, Web Root's Spyclearner, or DIV4 codec support, and McAfee AV.

There are many others. Use the tools mentioned above to look and selectively disable context menu helpers.

 

[kemomek]

Hi bcastner,

Thanks for replying. I understand what you meant. I should try reading first before I speak.

I've disabled the non-microsoft context menus one by one and tried it out on a folder where I know it hangs. (basically i right click on the folder and all the symptoms listed in jpcw's post occur)

Unfortunately that didn't work so I disabled everything and I still have the problem.

When right clicking on other folders it seems to be alot quicker though and for sure the items listed in ShellExView that I have disbled do not appear in the context menu after a right click.

Have you any other tricks up your sleeve that might fix this?

Thanks,

Kemo

 

[jpcw]

Hi Kemo,
No, no solutions as yet - I've tried the route bcastner was suggesting before and still haven't been able to clear it like you. I've a nasty feeling it's going to end up a complete wipe and reinstall :-(

 

[bcastner]

Several things I have seen in my practice:

. hard disk issues. Do a chkdsk /r from Recovery console on all hard disk drives

. malware. See faq608-4650 for cleaning recommendations, or use the trialware of my anti-malware program of the month by Giant Antispyware:

http://www.giantcompany.com/(qhdm2345nbxu0c55zc34rr55)/default.aspx

. a corrupt .AVI, or .MPG file on the drive. Explorer "freezes" trying to return the file details.