Member Avatar for Olguita84

Well I'm really new to computers. I have windows XP SP2 and lately I've been getting this message "Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close." Note this happens when i am conducting a search for files on my local drives. Then when ever i use my Super anti-spyware it encounters a problem, my Reg cure also and my windows live messenger so i had to get the msn messenger 7.5 and that works fine. Everything else on my computer seems to be working fine but i really cant detail the problem. sending reports does nothing and i went back to last good configuration and still the same problem. i have no idea what to do any help will be much appreciated.

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Dani AI

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Frequent "Windows Explorer has encountered a problem..." crashes that happen during local searches — plus crashes of utilities such as SuperAntiSpyware or registry cleaners — point to a few common, testable causes rather than a single root. Typical culprits are third‑party shell extensions or search handlers that load into Explorer, a corrupted user profile or shell settings, or malware that interferes with explorer.exe. Narrowing which of those is happening usually avoids a full reinstall.

A compact diagnostic workflow that complements earlier suggestions from : start with a Safe Mode boot and repeat the same search. If Explorer is stable in Safe Mode, non‑Microsoft shell extensions or startup items are prime suspects. Create a new local user account and test there to check for profile corruption. Use utilities that enumerate shell extensions and startup entries (for example, Autoruns or ShellExView) to temporarily disable non‑Microsoft items; the Event Viewer Application log will often record a faulting module (DLL) name for explorer.exe — that DLL name is the best lead to the offending program. If malware is suspected, perform an offline/bootable rescue scan from a reputable vendor so hidden processes cannot block detection.

Operational and preventive notes: keep regular file backups and an image of the system so a recovery does not cost important data; create recovery media for OEM systems that ship with a single CD; be cautious with registry cleaners and "fixer" utilities and always image or back up before running them. Also note that Windows XP is long out of support; migrating to a supported OS greatly reduces future security and stability risks.

Context from this thread: reports a system recovery cleared the crashes but required restoring files — that outcome underlines the value of backups. Gathering Event Viewer entries, faulting module names, and whether the crash reproduces in Safe Mode gives the clearest path to a targeted fix without unnecessary data loss.

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Member Avatar for Member #127113

In search go to change preference option and try to disable animated charater, autocomplete, balloon tips and also indexing service...try it what happens then.

Member Avatar for Olguita84

it stills does the same thing i've scanned for viruses with my avast and one showed up do u think that it might have damaged something in my pc?

Member Avatar for Member #127113

Right...! you need to update Virus Definition engine of your virus scan to detect more malfuction in your PC.
Also scan for windows files protection from:
start>run> type this: sfc /scannow and press enter..then it will scan for windows corrupted files and informs you to insert xp's disc to restore files.
After all try Ccleaner and check for crap remained in system, here its link to download:
www.piriform.com

Member Avatar for Olguita84

it is asking me for the windows xp professional cd2 but i don't have xp pro i have windows xp media center edition

Member Avatar for Member #127113

Media centre edition not work on that you need your OEM disk.

Member Avatar for Olguita84

hey thunderstorm thanx alot for ur help i really appreciate it. my pc only came with one cd so i just did a system recovery. true i lost some of my things but i had some back ups. i really appreciate u helping me out though. THANX BUNCHES!!!!

commented: your Welcome... +1
Member Avatar for Member #127113

Please mark as solved to this thread if its realy solved.

Member Avatar for Member #127113

great..!! thanks a lot.

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