I had to reformat & re-install on one of my kids old computers. After install, Windows Explorer worked just fine. Then I ran WindowsUpdate which, among other updates installed IE6.1 and all its service packs. At some point in this process, Windows Explorer started showing me a Blank folder tree view (left hand pane of Explorer window). This occurs in all flavors of Folder options (Classic, ActiveDeskTop, etc). I have tried ALL combinations of FolderView options with no change.

It could be that an update messed something up but I would first suggest that you shut all unecessary stuff off and do a complete scan disk and then a complete defrag. INstalling windows new doesnt mean your hard disk is all in order, it leaves it a mess. Updating makes it HORRIBLY a mess. Chances are its gonna take a very long time. So pull your internet connection ( safe) set it up and let it run for hours when you know you dont need it. Like overnight... or.. when your watching the Godfather 1, 2, and 3. * big toothy grin* A computer is a perfectionist's nightmare.

Thanks for the input. I will do another scandisk, just in case, however I did reformat before reinstalling windows & did a quick scandisk & defrag after installation was complete. I am tempted to uninstall IE6.1 and drop back to IE5.x just to see what happens.