Vista - Complete freeze of Vista 32bit upon accessing certain jpg/avi files

Hello!

I have had several problems on a Sony Vaio with Vista freezing, and managed to get rid of most of them by disabling Superfetch, Windows Search and indexing services. However, a few still persist, namely this one: whenever I attempt to copy/paste a folder containing pictures and short .avis to another location, the copy window appears and promptly ceases to respond, and the entire system winds up deep freezing within about 20 seconds (only option is the power button to escape this). I can recreate this also by simply selecting all the files in said folder and clicking the 'Details' tab in the Properties window. This same sort of freeze happens when attempting to un/install MS Visual C++ 2008, as the system froze and required a reset during installation. Edit: it also occurs when opening documents with MS Office.

All drivers are up to date.

Things I have tried so far:
-disabling thumbnails
-uninstalling all 3rd party codecs

Side note: I have discovered through several HDD diagnostic tools that there are a few bad sectors on the HDD, and I am not qualified to understand if there might be a connection there. I'm looking to back up all my files and replace the HDD, but this problem makes it difficult.

I apologize if I've left out something obvious I needed to include! Thanks very much!
~Ryan

Since you have diagnosed HDD problems I think it's safe to say that you need to confirm those findings and either repair or start backing up the HDD with the view of replacing it.

Random freezes on a suspected HDD with bad sectors is time for action.

exemplify,
I am having the same problem with folders containing avi's. Anytime I try to manupliate the folder Vista locks up. It can happen when I open the folder, copy the folder, etc. I have updated my video drivers just in case, and have the same problem. I have also associated all my video files to Windows Media Player. But I think this is something other than a "display" problem, as I can recreate this just by trying to expand the folder, without actually trying to view the contents. As for the hard drive, it is fine. I have had this problem for quite some time and finally narrowed it down. I was surprised to find someone else having the same problem.