Explorer quits when opening Windows folder

I'm having a strange problem. I get an error message "Windows Explorer has stopped working" if I try to open the C: Windows folder. At first, it only happened when I double-clicked to open the folder, but now it happens even if I mouseover the folder icon. And because I can't even open the Windows folder, I can't access explorer.exe to right-click and views the properties.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP m9400t
    CPU
    Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    don't know
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia Ge Force 9500GS
    Sound Card
    RealTek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2410, Dell 2005fpw

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Emachine ET 1161-05
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 LE-1640
    Motherboard
    eMachines MCP61PM-GM (Socket AM2 )
    Memory
    2.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 387MHz (6-6-6-18)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Acer E181H (1280x768@60Hz) 128MB GeForce 6150SE nForce 430 (
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name Acer E181H on NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
    Screen Resolution
    1280x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    ST316081 5AS SCSI Disk Device
    PSU
    MCP61PM-GM 9000 NVIDIA Chipset Model MCP61 Chipset Revisio
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Fan Speed 1247 RPM
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    PS/2 Compatible Mouse
    Internet Speed
    http://www.speedtest.net/result/1538974261.png

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP m9400t
    CPU
    Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    don't know
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia Ge Force 9500GS
    Sound Card
    RealTek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2410, Dell 2005fpw
Good luck with this then, maybe one of our developers that answer here can assist you in this .
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Emachine ET 1161-05
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 LE-1640
    Motherboard
    eMachines MCP61PM-GM (Socket AM2 )
    Memory
    2.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 387MHz (6-6-6-18)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Acer E181H (1280x768@60Hz) 128MB GeForce 6150SE nForce 430 (
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name Acer E181H on NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
    Screen Resolution
    1280x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    ST316081 5AS SCSI Disk Device
    PSU
    MCP61PM-GM 9000 NVIDIA Chipset Model MCP61 Chipset Revisio
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Fan Speed 1247 RPM
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    PS/2 Compatible Mouse
    Internet Speed
    http://www.speedtest.net/result/1538974261.png

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP m9400t
    CPU
    Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    don't know
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia Ge Force 9500GS
    Sound Card
    RealTek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2410, Dell 2005fpw
Have you modified Explorer? Perhaps with a gizmo that adds buttons? A theme? Only thing I can think of why it can't handle Windows folder is because it's a big folder. I would run Malwarebytes before doing anything unless you have a theme that alters Explorer that you can disable to test it.

Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware, anti-virus and spyware removal download

There are tutorials on the site how to install, update database, and scan.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion m9515y
    CPU
    Phenom X4 9850
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Some Radeon Cheapie with 512 MB Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    CRT
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    750 GB SATA 3G
    2 SIIG Superspeed docks w/WD Caviar Black Sata II or III
Have you modified Explorer? Perhaps with a gizmo that adds buttons? A theme? Only thing I can think of why it can't handle Windows folder is because it's a big folder. I would run Malwarebytes before doing anything unless you have a theme that alters Explorer that you can disable to test it.

Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware, anti-virus and spyware removal download

There are tutorials on the site how to install, update database, and scan.

Well, I already have the Norton Security Suite that's supposed to block malware, spyware, etc. Otherwise, I can't think of anything I did that would have caused this. This did coincide with my futile attempts to install a driver for my scanner. Could just be a coincidence.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP m9400t
    CPU
    Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    don't know
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia Ge Force 9500GS
    Sound Card
    RealTek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2410, Dell 2005fpw
Run free of Malwarebytes and post your results please.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Emachine ET 1161-05
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 LE-1640
    Motherboard
    eMachines MCP61PM-GM (Socket AM2 )
    Memory
    2.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 387MHz (6-6-6-18)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Acer E181H (1280x768@60Hz) 128MB GeForce 6150SE nForce 430 (
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name Acer E181H on NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
    Screen Resolution
    1280x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    ST316081 5AS SCSI Disk Device
    PSU
    MCP61PM-GM 9000 NVIDIA Chipset Model MCP61 Chipset Revisio
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Fan Speed 1247 RPM
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    PS/2 Compatible Mouse
    Internet Speed
    http://www.speedtest.net/result/1538974261.png
Have you modified Explorer? Perhaps with a gizmo that adds buttons? A theme? Only thing I can think of why it can't handle Windows folder is because it's a big folder. I would run Malwarebytes before doing anything unless you have a theme that alters Explorer that you can disable to test it.

Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware, anti-virus and spyware removal download

There are tutorials on the site how to install, update database, and scan.

Well, I already have the Norton Security Suite that's supposed to block malware, spyware, etc. Otherwise, I can't think of anything I did that would have caused this. This did coincide with my futile attempts to install a driver for my scanner. Could just be a coincidence.

Maybe it doesn't like Windows? heh heh
If you are running in "real time shield" mode that's likely the problem. Running constant prophylactic software interferes with the system. It's like trying to take a shower with a raincoat on.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion m9515y
    CPU
    Phenom X4 9850
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Some Radeon Cheapie with 512 MB Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    CRT
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    750 GB SATA 3G
    2 SIIG Superspeed docks w/WD Caviar Black Sata II or III
Hi Leafdesigner

Let's try this.
Download the file OpenWin.vbs, and run it.
Normally the Windows folder should open.
What happens when you click OpenWin.vbs ?

Sweet
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 5738G-644G32MN
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo - clockspeed 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer JV50
    Memory
    RAM 4 GB - SO-DIMM DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce - G105M - 512 MB
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 Pixels
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS543232L9A300
    320 GB - Type SATA - Speed 5400 rpm
    Keyboard
    Azerty
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless Mouse M505
    Internet Speed
    Currently 14.5 MB/Sec which means 1.8 MB/Sec effective
Hi Leafdesigner

Let's try this.
Download the file OpenWin.vbs, and run it.
Normally the Windows folder should open.
What happens when you click OpenWin.vbs ?

Sweet
The OpenWin.vbs will open the Windows folder, but I have about 3 seconds to find the subfolder I'm looking for and open it. If I don't, the Window closes. If I can get another folder open, then it stabilizes. Weird?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP m9400t
    CPU
    Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    don't know
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia Ge Force 9500GS
    Sound Card
    RealTek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2410, Dell 2005fpw
Hi Leafdesigner

I wrote you a program (Open WinFolder.vbs), with which you can open folders in C:\windows.
Just try it out, and see if it's to your liking.
I'm adding another VBScript (Open Win&S32.vbs),
Open Win&S32.vbs will first open C:\Windows and then C:\Windows\System32.
You said that when you opened a folder in C:\Windows it stabilizes,
maybe this could be a temporary workaround.
I'll hope that one of these tools can be usefull to you.
If they work without a problem, then at least you can open folders in C:\Windows.
Afterwards we can try to figure out what's causing the problem.
Keep us posted.

Sweet
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 5738G-644G32MN
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo - clockspeed 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer JV50
    Memory
    RAM 4 GB - SO-DIMM DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce - G105M - 512 MB
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 Pixels
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS543232L9A300
    320 GB - Type SATA - Speed 5400 rpm
    Keyboard
    Azerty
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless Mouse M505
    Internet Speed
    Currently 14.5 MB/Sec which means 1.8 MB/Sec effective
Sweet-

Thank you so much for doing this- I really appreciate it. I didn't realize you had made these from scratch. The workaround seems to be working fine. At least I can get into the Windows folder now. Have a Merry Christmas!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP m9400t
    CPU
    Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    don't know
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia Ge Force 9500GS
    Sound Card
    RealTek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2410, Dell 2005fpw
He is good, why i told you to hang on. We got good people here . Sweet to the rescue.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Emachine ET 1161-05
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 LE-1640
    Motherboard
    eMachines MCP61PM-GM (Socket AM2 )
    Memory
    2.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 387MHz (6-6-6-18)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Acer E181H (1280x768@60Hz) 128MB GeForce 6150SE nForce 430 (
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name Acer E181H on NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
    Screen Resolution
    1280x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    ST316081 5AS SCSI Disk Device
    PSU
    MCP61PM-GM 9000 NVIDIA Chipset Model MCP61 Chipset Revisio
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Fan Speed 1247 RPM
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    PS/2 Compatible Mouse
    Internet Speed
    http://www.speedtest.net/result/1538974261.png
You're welcome Leafdesigner
I'm glad that i was able to help you.
A Merry Christmas to you too, and to all the people in this Forum.

Sweet
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 5738G-644G32MN
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo - clockspeed 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer JV50
    Memory
    RAM 4 GB - SO-DIMM DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce - G105M - 512 MB
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 Pixels
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS543232L9A300
    320 GB - Type SATA - Speed 5400 rpm
    Keyboard
    Azerty
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless Mouse M505
    Internet Speed
    Currently 14.5 MB/Sec which means 1.8 MB/Sec effective
This is one of the best forums I've ever visited. Certainly the most helpful. Thank you all!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP m9400t
    CPU
    Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    don't know
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia Ge Force 9500GS
    Sound Card
    RealTek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2410, Dell 2005fpw

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion m9515y
    CPU
    Phenom X4 9850
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Some Radeon Cheapie with 512 MB Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    CRT
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    750 GB SATA 3G
    2 SIIG Superspeed docks w/WD Caviar Black Sata II or III
Download and install the last SERVICE PACK for your operating system from Microsoft's website, even if you already have the latest service pack installed download it again and install it again. this will fix your problem. A user at my old job had this problem and this is what i did to fix it, but i would recommend re-installing your Vista operating system . Cheers!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    None
    CPU
    AMD
    Motherboard
    AMD
    Memory
    AMD
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
    Sound Card
    Turtle Beach
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG
Download and install the last SERVICE PACK for your operating system from Microsoft's website, even if you already have the latest service pack installed download it again and install it again. this will fix your problem. A user at my old job had this problem and this is what i did to fix it, but i would recommend re-installing your Vista operating system . Cheers!

How would I get it to install if it's already installed?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP m9400t
    CPU
    Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
    Motherboard
    don't know
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia Ge Force 9500GS
    Sound Card
    RealTek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2410, Dell 2005fpw
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