"Windows Explorer has stopped working..." "Windows Explorer is restarting..."

Hank228

New Member
Whenever I load up certain games on Steam, or certain other games and programs on my computer, the first few seconds of the intro or logos will come up, then black screen, then the following message:

"Windows Explorer has stopped working..."

Then it says it's "restarting". I get another black screen, then I'm at desktop with my game minimized. I try to bring it back up, and it happens again.

Sometimes, after four or five tries the game or program fully comes up and I'm able to play/use it for a little while (usually around 30 minutes to an hour) when it happens AGAIN, minimizing the game/program.

Rarely will it come up after just turning on my computer, but also in my taskbar none of the objects currently up seem to appear anymore, it looks like this now:
oddtaskbar.jpg


So, apparently nothing is showing up in that area for some odd reason.
I'm using Windows Vista 64 bit.

This has been going on for some time, here's what I've tried so far:
1. Multiple virus and spyware scans with: AVG, Malware Bytes, SUPERAntiSpyware, Windows Defender, and AdAware.
2. A Disk check of both C and F drives, which came up with a "few errors" that were "fixed".
3. Double checking all open processes, none of which were abnormal.
4. Disabled UAC (Did that a long time ago)
5. Disabled thumbnails, and used icons instead
6. Clear history, cookies, and all temporary internet files
7. Defragmented.

I'm completely out of ideas of what it could be. I really don't want to resort to re-formating because I don't even have my old Vista disk from when I purchased the computer.

Does anybody have ANY ideas of what I can try? Much appreciated.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

Even though you're not having BSOD's, please upload the information in this post for us to get a start: http://www.vistax64.com/crashes-debugging/282419-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

Hey usasma,

Thanks for the reply, I've attached the relevant information to this post.

Thanks!

- x86 (32-bit) or x64 ? x64
- the original installed OS on the system? Vista
- an OEM or full retail version? OEM
- OEM = came pre-installed on system
- Full Retail = you purchased it from retailer

- What is the age of system (hardware)? Roughly 3 years old, but the video card is from 2010
- What is the age of OS installation (have you re-installed the OS?) Roughly 3 years.
 

My Computer

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