Hi - I have a problem that is difficult to describe. Basically, I can't open folders or My Computer. I can run applications OK, but when I doulbe click on folders on the desktop or My Documents or My Computer, a new window opens briefly, then the entire desktop goes blank, and then everything reappears slowly and the icons on the right hand side of my taskbar (the quick launch icons?) appear one at a time as if the computer was booting up. I ran SpyBot and McAfee to see if the problem was a virus or spyware - didn't seem to fix the problem. I'm not sure what other information you might need to diagnose the problem - but any help here is really appreciated. Thanks! Thomas

Thomas, How much Memory do you have? In the Task Manager (ALt+Ctrl+Del) how many processes are running in the "Processes" Tab. Arcan

Hi Arcan - I forget how to find out how much memory I am using (i know it is pathetically little, but can't remember exactly how much that is...). I have 42 processes running currently. Thanks Thomas

Thomas, What I'm suggesting is that your computer is freezing up, glitching, due to not enough memory, then it catches itself again, that's where you see the computer have everything re appear like everythings ok again. But with that said, your memory amount can be found. @ Your Desktop, Choose "Start" > Program Files > Accesories > System Tools > System Information. Let me know your, Total Physical Memory so I correctly reccomend an upgrade amount. We will also work on how many programs you have running but one thing at a time. Arcan

Arcan - I have 256 megs of memory. I know I need more and have been intending to upgrade - but I thought the worst thing that could happen would be that my computer was slow - not that I couldn't access folders! It's odd that this just started happening. I was able to access everything yesterday - and today I can't. My I reached "critical mass" with the number of running applications. Again, thanks for your help. Thomas

also check your processor's usage. see what program is using the processor the most and if you dont need it close that program.

Nothing seems to be a particular memory hog. Netscape uses the most CPU, but I am still only using 8%. Closing Netscape doesn't allow me to access my folders - same problem exists... Thomas