I have had major XP problems with explorer.exe for a few days now. When I have a few explorer-based windows open and try to do basic tasks (such as rename files/folders, copy files, or even just give focus to one), Windows closes them all, flashes to an empty desktop and then reloads any non-explorer windows that were open before the crash. Most of the Taskbar icons also disappear, although the programs are still running. The same effect happens when I try to open video files in Windows Media Player, which also closes along with the explorer windows. When the problem occurred for the first time, I received one of the standard 'explorer.exe has crashed' messages, asking me to debug (I've got the .Net Framework v1.1) or close. I no longer get these, but I do get Winlogon entries in the Event Viewer stating "The shell stopped unexpectedly and explorer.exe was restarted". I also get the same effect when trying to open media files in Windows Media Player 8 - the program loads fine but when the file is opened it does the usual and crashes explorer. I have tried many of the solutions recommended to others in various newsgroups, but to no avail. These are as follows: - checking iMesh and/or McAfee software (not installed) - checking HomeSite dlls (done) - check for viruses and spyware (clear) - fixing broken links and registry entries (done, but managed to break IE...) - perform System Restore (problem persisted 'in the past', and now System Restore seems to be broken as well) - use DrWatson for diagnosis (sample log file at http://www.marcwoolfson.co.uk/drwtsn32.log) - check latest video/sound drivers (done) - clearing history and cached web content (done) - check core windows assemblies using 'sfc /scannow' (done) - check XP fully patched up and latest version of IE (done) I tried swapping the RAM, as someone else suggested this could be a hardware problem. It made no difference. Tried doing an XP repair and it broke everything. Ended up rebuilding over the weekend, and everything seemed fine, but the same error just occurred! I uninstalled the latest Update that took place last night by doing a System Restore, and the problem is still there. I have only installed Office XP, Easy CD 5, TVTool, NAV, Enemy Territory and GameSpy; all along with their latest service packs/patches. Conclusion: Hardware...?

Not necessarily..... Could be something u installed that is breaking ur system.... You could try the following... 1) Check Device Manager for any conflicts 2) Check Event Viewer for any errors 3) RUN msconfig and check ur startup progs - disable any ur not sure of and reboot 4) Uninstall all progs one by one Alternatively, format and re-install again - this time dont install any progs until ur sure the system is running fine. GoodLuck

I didn't install anything until everything seemed fine. I will start going backwards though, uninstalling as I go. Although I doubt this will fix the problem as I hadn't installed anything for quite a while before the problem cropped up in the first place.

What prog did u use for a virus check ?? Some catch viruses which others don't find (shame on u Norton AV !!) Go to http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/ for a good online scan. GoodLuck

I am using NAV 2003. It seems to intercept plenty of viruses most of the time... When I was attempting to back some data up last night some strange things went on with my (ancient) CD-RW drive. I have had a couple of problems trying to read CDs recently and after having no difficulties with them at the office, I thought that this may have been the source of the problem. I've disconnected it and everything seems fine atm. I'll see how long this lasts... Shame my DVD drive is knackered as well :-(

Solution: Hardware (CD/RW drive)