HELP! Windows Explorer Issues - DPChallenge Forums

01/06/2008 09:32:54 PM · #1

Ok, for anyone out there that is a Windows expert...why the flip would Windows Explorer continuously be crashing? It's been going on for a week and even restoring the computer to an earlier time (Windows had an update) doesn't work as the minute you reboot Windows updates again. Causing lots of crashes and especially CS2.
I'm running NoAdware spyware and Trend 2006 Internet Security. This just started and it's driving me crazy!!
I did upload the new canon software for my new camera, but would that crash windows? (I'll save ya the digs...Nikon software ain't no betta...) :P
HELP!!! Please........

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

01/06/2008 09:35:10 PM · #2

The first place to look will be in the logs - right click My Computer -> Manage -> Event Logs

Have a look in System and Application in particular (but also the other two) to see for red entries and try to get an idea from MS's arcane and stupid system as to what caused it (look for files or system processes, then google them!).

Otherwise, gfx drivers are a favourite for system instability....overheating....virii....

Check out the logs and let me know if there are any clues

N

EDIT: p.s. try booting into Safe Mode (f8 during boot) to see if the problem persists...if it does then it's a driver of sorts and you'll need to find out which one is the problem. As I say, gfx drivers are a frequent culprit....

Message edited by author 2008-01-06 21:36:19.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

01/06/2008 09:37:57 PM · #3

Also, if you think that an update started the mess, turn off the auto-update feature and make it ask you before installing updates. then you can tell it "No" until you figure out whether rolling back the update fixes the issue.

01/06/2008 09:47:28 PM · #4

Thus far...all the red "x"s are for Application Errors (CS2) and H+BEDV Anti Vir...which isn't found when I search...and the other two errors Microsoft had nothing available at this time...go figure....Have I ever mentioned how much I hate Microsoft...next boat anchor will be a MAC!

So, now boot in safe mode???

And lots of ESENT and Service Control Manager, too. ?!

Message edited by author 2008-01-06 21:49:28.

01/06/2008 09:53:03 PM · #5

Worth booting into safe mode to see if it's a corrupted driver. Generally (but not always) if it works fine in safe mode then it's a driver, if not it could be a hardware failure. Most of the time it's a driver.

If safe mode works fine, try uninstalling and reinstalling your antivirus software. Make sure you disconnect from the Internet (pull out your ethernet/USB cable) first and reboot in between uninstall and reinstall.

If that doesn't work, download the latest version of your graphics card drivers and do the same.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/06/2008 09:57:43 PM · #6

Well, I'm here in safe mode (really hard on the eyes, rofl), but I can't get into CS2 as it tells me I don't have permission...even when logged on as administrator.

I'll try reinstalling the virus software and see what happens. I'm so dreading this mess...It makes my brain hurt as that's all I've been doing is fighting this box for a week!!!

So...I disconnect the ethernet cable, then uninstall...then reboot, then reinstall...yes?

Message edited by author 2008-01-06 21:58:53.

Dirt_Diver

Nikon D3s

01/06/2008 10:35:29 PM · #7

Before doing all that try this... Boot up in normal mode, Open up Add/Remove programs and uninstall "Windows Installer 3.1".

Then go to
>start,
>right click on my computer and go to manage,
>Click on event viewer
>Right click on system
>Then Clear ALL Events

When the boox pops up asking you to save click no.

Reboot the machine and do whatever it is that you normally do that causes the crash?

FYI if you can BACK UP EVERYTHING while you still can. Buy a drive that you can transfer stuff over. uninstalling WI-3.1 will not cause you to lose any data but if your system is crashing that is a far more warning than others get. Also back up your registry files, Fav places, links, screennames, EVERYTHING...

PGerst

Canon EOS-20D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

01/06/2008 10:35:46 PM · #8

JUST for the sake of trying....can you try this, it may sound wierd, but it may fix your problems.

Right click on your desktop, select Properties.
Go to Appearance

Under Windows and buttons select Windows Classic style
For color scheme, select Windows Standard

See if you still have the same issues. Please let me know.

Message edited by author 2008-01-06 22:36:15.

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro for Canon

01/06/2008 10:52:35 PM · #9

It wants to reboot the system to uninstall Windows installer 3.1 Should I restart to uninstall?

Just installed a Seagate 750GB drive...where do I find all of this stuff to back up?

Originally posted by Dirt_Diver:

Message edited by author 2008-01-06 22:57:08.

Jutilda

Canon EOS-7D

01/06/2008 10:59:56 PM · #10

I bought a Seagate too and after installing a new motherboard and a new power supply (and installing XP in Repair mode so as not to lose all the stuff on the hard drive), it won't recognize the USB port. I can put anything else in there, but it won't recognize the external hard drive. It even caused the BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH. I can uninstall the drivers, reinstall them, and the external hard drive won't work on there so now I have to completely clean off the C drive and start over. AUGHHHHH

Oh, ok, sorry, I was venting. Seagate is good.

01/06/2008 11:12:06 PM · #11

I'm feelin' your pain, my dear. I'm so sorry...Luckily, my Seagate has not done anything goofy yet. On yours...call support. :)

Originally posted by Jutilda:

BUT, I have had three errors just starting the spyware software, cleaning out the temp file and something else, lol...and I haven't even tried to open CS2 yet. NOTE: Running under Windows CLASSIC view right now.

I'm ready to give up!!! I HATE doing all this crap...my life and time is far more valuable....thanks bunches to all for the suggestions thus far...fingers crossed something will work!

01/06/2008 11:22:22 PM · #12

Bergie - don't go wildly changing anything you can find! Often can cause more hassle than you originally had.

The only clues we have as to what has caused this is the reference to your antivirus software and CS2 in the logs. If it were my machine these would be the first two apps that I would reinstall. If you're still getting the same application errors in the logs after reinstalling those apps I'd be surprised (and stumped).

The advice that Dirt gave you to back everything up is good advice - if you're not already making backups you should be! Not like you've got a box of negs you can reprint from...once you lose your hard drive with your DP on it, it's game over/tears. If you want to know what to backup, imagine starting with a fresh PC - what would you be missing? photos, word processing/work/office files, my documents, browser bookmarks (if you use firefox use MozBackup - it'll also do cookies etc), e-mails (again use MozBackup for Thunderbird, otherwise google for Outlook etc), fonts... basically, back up everything you would hate to lose.

Then, if this really is early warning of impending doom, it won't be catastrophic and just a pain in the a$$.

Good luck

01/06/2008 11:30:32 PM · #13

Originally posted by fastforward:

Thanks all! Nick, do you mind sending me a PM telling me where all of this crap is?? I've backed up My Documents which is where I usually save everything, but the bookmarks and all that other junk...no clue where to look...what about address book from Netscape? (Yes I use mozilla)
Now I'm freakin' out!!!!!! And CS2 is crashing...so off to reinstall THAT! Everything is crashing and all seems to hinge on windows somehow.
(goes off to sulk!)

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/06/2008 11:50:55 PM · #14

MozBackup will take care of your Netscape stuff.

Also don't forget to backup any serial numbers for apps you've bought. I always forget to back those up and end up having to mail customer services to get them back again.

There's not much else to say really....backup, sort those apps out...if you're still stuck then we'll have to think again, but at least you'll have a backup.

Photologist

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

01/06/2008 11:59:34 PM · #15

Kat, if you don't get this resolved in a reasonable amount of time, please send me a PM and I'll get you the proper help.

Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital ED

01/07/2008 12:21:48 AM · #16

Thanks Les...I may be typing you a note tomorrow...when I'm at wits end and tired of trying. :P
Defragging as we speak...just to make me feel better...I so hate this.
And...where do I look on my machine for serial numbers for apps? I'm going to just move everything I can think of to the Seagate and I can delete it later I guess.

Jimbo_for_life

Olympus E-500 EVOLT

01/07/2008 12:49:24 AM · #17

if i might add, if the errors started happening when you installed the new canon update, try uninstalling it and then seing if your comp runs, most likely a file somewhere got corrupt or replaced with something it was not supposta. if you wanna try repairing windows with the cd of your version of windows after you uninstall the canon update it wouldnt hurt. serial numbers would be in the system registry, open it by going start>run>regedit youll have to learn a little in reading the codes and it takes time to dig up info but it is all in there. if you want you can export all your registry files and then import them back later if you do a reformat of windows

Message edited by author 2008-01-07 00:51:22.

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

01/07/2008 01:07:40 AM · #18

Originally posted by Jutilda:

After you did the Install/Rebuild did you put Service Pack 2 back on (assuming you used your original XP CD). SP2 fixed many USB issues. Also might want to check USB setting in BIOS if it is a new mobo... sometimes the default is USB 1.1 or worse.

Bergiekat - If you would like me to look under the hood... grab a copy of Hijack This When you run it choose "Do a system scan and save logfile" you should be able to PM the logfile. Don't worry it only logs the junk running on your pewter ... no personal or security type stuff. This will give me a pretty good idea as to the services and processes running.

01/07/2008 12:10:24 PM · #19

I HAVE highjack this and I will happily send you a copy of the log file (when I get home). I was so frustrated last night I just walked away and will deal with it when I get home tonight. I've done no Windows work yet (Install/Rebuild) as that will be last resort. :)

Originally posted by awpollard:

Originally posted by Jutilda:
I bought a Seagate too and after installing a new motherboard and a new power supply (and installing XP in Repair mode so as not to lose all the stuff on the hard drive), it won't recognize the USB port. I can put anything else in there, but it won't recognize the external hard drive. It even caused the BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH. I can uninstall the drivers, reinstall them, and the external hard drive won't work on there so now I have to completely clean off the C drive and start over. AUGHHHHH

Oh, ok, sorry, I was venting. Seagate is good.

After you did the Install/Rebuild did you put Service Pack 2 back on (assuming you used your original XP CD). SP2 fixed many USB issues. Also might want to check USB setting in BIOS if it is a new mobo... sometimes the default is USB 1.1 or worse.

Bergiekat - If you would like me to look under the hood... grab a copy of Hijack This When you run it choose "Do a system scan and save logfile" you should be able to PM the logfile. Don't worry it only logs the junk running on your pewter ... no personal or security type stuff. This will give me a pretty good idea as to the services and processes running.

Message edited by author 2008-01-07 12:11:10.

01/10/2008 10:23:51 PM · #20

Just a quick update...didn't reload windows, but I DID back off the RAM used by CS2 in the preferences. I read this trick in my new photoshop book (how to for morons...so look out!). With 1.5 GB of RAM and give CS2 70+ percent...CS2 freaks out! I backed it off to about 51%. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. If the other problems creep back in...I'll be caling you!

Hugs to all...~Kat

01/10/2008 10:32:30 PM · #21

Bergie - RAM is so cheap these days that you might as well put at least 2gb in there. I've got 3gb in here, which depending on who you talk to is about the maximum used memory (it's controversial - but 2gb should be plenty). For photoshop work it'll mean faster, easier working and greater stability.

Thanks for the update...it's always good to find out what it actually was in the end for future reference...

N

01/10/2008 10:51:29 PM · #22

Originally posted by fastforward:

It will make cS2 faster???? but the book mentioned that CS2 often doesn't know what to do w/all the RAM. Having said all of this...if it works great on your computer, I must still have issues....computer issues!!! :P