I keep getting an error message saying "Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconveniece." Then i have option to send report or dont send. whichever one i choose the error comes back again. sometimes a DrWatson postmortem debugger error shows up as well. The windows explorer error wont let me open anything cuz if i get to open it and it pops back up it closes all my programs again. How can I fix this? the error report contains some error in "C:\DOCUME~1\IGORBI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\6406_appcompat.txt" but I cant even open up the folders to get to that spot. What should I do? Im clueless. thanks I tried to hit ctrl-alt-del and end process on explorer.exe and then Click file-> New task and type explorer.exe but it didnt work and it happens again.

If this is not an isolated problem but an incessant one as you seem to imply, I would consider a Spyware/Virus infection as the cause. If I were you, I will try an Online Virus scanner like HouseCall or Panda Online first and then run Adaware/Spybot and MS Antispyware in series until I am sure the system is free from any of those vermin! If the symptom persists after the above, I will try different troubleshoots from here.

I've also encountered this exact same problem from time to time and have yet to figure out why it happens. No time for love, Dr. Jones!

i have also been having this problem, also when i right click

Have you tried a system restore to when it worked fine? Also as said above Spybot S&D and Adaware SE Personal are good, but I would also try a Free On-line Spyware Scan I am not a believer in MS Anti-spy as it is still in the Beta stages and alot of people have had trouble with it...so I'll wait on that till the final version.

I have the same problem immediately on startup. It seems to be a current issue (last few days) on a number of these message boards. My guess is a virus, but I have no idea how to resolve it since i can't even access the desktop! Help, anyone?

If you cannot acces the Internet as stated in the last post, try to use System Restore tool in Safe mode by using Command Prompt 1. Restart your computer, and then press F8 during the initial startup to start your computer in Safe Mode with a command prompt. 2. Log on to your computer with an administrator account or with an account that has administrator credentials. 3. Type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER: %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe 4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your computer to an earlier state. If this does not work, you may try a Repair. Reboot with WinXP CD and choose a New Install at the beginning. Then Windows Disc will find the old install and ask if you want a repair. You then choose the repair Option and follow on Screen instructions. If this too fails, Reformat and Reinstall. M