Typically everything on my computer works without fail, exception given only to the folders that contain video files (.mpeg's only). Anytime I open a folder that contains video clips the folder will lock up and I get an error telling me that Windows Explorer has encountered an error and needs to close. This problem didn't occur when I used XP Pro on the laptop, so I assume it's XP Home-based issues. Occassionally the Dr Watson error will come up first, but I've read countless posts about that and I really don't want to get anyone started. The IT department at my job said to try unplugging everything from my computer and see what I plug in that would cause the system to fail. The keyboard and mouse being plugged in has no effect and I can open any folder with no problem, but when I plug anything else into my computer I get the Explorer error. The speakers, network cable, webcam, anything that might be plugged into anything (not limited to the USB ports). Perhaps this is a driver issue? I can't seem to find anything relating to the problem and I would really like to open these folders. So if someone has a solution that'd be great. I'm willing to try anything.

Maybe try a repair install, sounds like some corrupt files in the OS. Hopefully my advice will help you...Please post back with your results....thanks

Would an OS need a repair install so soon after the first fresh installation? This OS has only been installed on this computer for less than a month.

I've done some that early, it's worth a shot as you won't lose anything except the critical updates, maybe try an sfc /scannow if you have a XP CD, you could try that 1st. and speaking of critical updates, I had a bad one that MS is still trying to figure out. I did a system restore and loaded them one at a time to find the bad one, then deselected it from the group so it wouldn't come up when I was d/l'ing the criticals. Seemed to take forever but it worked for me. Hopefully my advice will help you...Please post back with your results....thanks

This may help also: http://www.theeldergeek.com/repair_reinstall_ie_and_oe_6.htm Hopefully my advice will help you...Please post back with your results....thanks

Tried the scannow thing but that didn't solve my problems (ugh!). Not such a great person as far as techy issues go, so I don't want to attempt a Windows repair by myself because something will most definitely go wrong. I'll get ahold of a good friend that knows what to do in that area.

Memory tests Memtest has an ISO for creating a CD http://memtest86.com/ or Docmem http://downloads-zdnet.com.com/3001-2094-1534814.html You could also run chkdsk /r This will check the disk for bad sectors Do yourself a favor BACKUP!