Member Avatar for Marc1978

Hi,

I'm unable to open a file that has videos in it - keep getting a windows explorer error and then it shuts down.
Likewise when I try and delete the file and also search for it the explorer error message comes up.
Have run McAfee skybot and found nothing.
Run Adware but 'hangs' when it gets to this file.

Can anyone offer some advice.

Thanks

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Short summary: this is a folder-access problem (Explorer crashes with the “Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close” dialog), you already ran AV/Ad-aware and CHKDSK (reported clean) and tried the Safe‑Mode idea suggested by but the folder still crashes Explorer (per ). That pattern usually means Explorer itself is choking while trying to enumerate the folder (thumbnail/preview handler, bad codec, third‑party shell extension, or a process holding a handle), so focus first on identifying what the shell is loading when you open that folder.

Check the Application log for the Explorer crash (use eventvwr.msc) and look for the Event ID 1000 / “faulting module” line — that often shows which DLL or handler caused the crash and guides the next step. If the faulting module is a third‑party shell/thumbnail/preview handler, temporarily disable non‑Microsoft shell extensions (use NirSoft ShellExView) and retest; disabling the offending extension often stops Explorer from crashing. (learn.microsoft.com)

If there’s no obvious DLL in the Event log, use Sysinternals utilities to inspect who’s interacting with the files: Process Explorer (or Handle) can find which process has an open handle on the folder or file. Use the Find/Handle feature to search the folder path, then terminate or stop the holding process (prefer clean shutdown rather than forcibly closing handles — that can destabilize Windows). Also try turning off thumbnails/Preview Pane or switch the folder to List/Details so Explorer won’t build video thumbnails while you diagnose. (learn.microsoft.com)

If the above doesn’t help, remove the folder while Windows isn’t running: boot from WinPE or a Linux live USB, mount the NTFS volume and delete the folder (this bypasses Explorer and file locks). After you regain access, run sfc /scannow to check system DLLs and do a full up‑to‑date malware scan or a rescue‑disk scan. Back up important data before aggressive deletes and take notes of any faulting module names — they’re the key for a targeted fix. (help.ubuntu.com)

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Member Avatar for DMR

Hi,

I'm unable to open a file that has videos in it

A file, or a folder?

keep getting a windows explorer error... also search for it the explorer error message comes up.

What is the exact Explorer error?

Are you using Windows 2000, or XP?

Member Avatar for Marc1978

Hello,

Running XP and sorry it's a folder that i'm unable to open.
the error is the 'Windows explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close'

anymore info you need just ask

Member Avatar for DMR

The folder may have gotten corrupted; check the drive for filesystem errors:

1. Double-click on the My Computer icon.
2. Right-click on the C: drive.
3. Choose "Properties" from the resulting drop-down context menu.
4. Click on the "Tools" tab in the Properties window.
5. Click on the "Check now" button.
6. Put a check in the "Automatically Fix..." and "Scan for..." option boxes.
7. Click the "Start" button.

* If you are prompted to restart the computer in order to perform the scan, do so. The scan will start automatically when the computer reboots.


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Member Avatar for Marc1978

Still here!!!

Have run the check but it comes up with 'disk is clean'

Still getting the problem.

Member Avatar for Marc1978

Any further tips would be helpful!!!

Member Avatar for DMR

1. If you have a utility package like Norton System Works, you can try one of those disk/Registry repair utilities. They sometimes do a better job than the basic repair tools that are included in Windows.

2. If you're at the point where you just want to delete the folder, you might be able to do it through DOS mode:

  • Restart your computer
  • After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, tap the F8 key continually;
  • Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu with options should appear.
  • Use your keyboard's up/down arrows to select the "Safe Mode Command prompt only" option and then hit Enter.

This will boot your computer to a DOS screen. At the DOS prompt, type the following command and then hit Enter:

rmdir /S/Q full_path_of_folder's_location


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