XP Pro & Windows Explorer...Jet Lag Blues

mark4man · Nov 20, 2007

OK...

I may have asked this this question here before...not sure...but this malady is REALLY driving me nuts...& I REALLY need to get it resolved !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whenever I use Windows Explorer (on my work computer)...& then exit Windows Explorer...my machine stalls dead. If I subsequently want to go to my programs, for example...I don't get a Cursor Arrow that allows me to hit the Start Button. I get a little vertical double-headed arrow...for as long as I'm frozen (which is normally about 30 seconds.) During this period...I can't work on anything or navigate anywhere...I'm froze.

This IS NOT normal. I'm used to using Windows Explorer as my Folder & File tree...& have no intention of curtailing the practice. When I'm done with Windows Explorer...I shouldn't have to wait ANY period of time before I can use my computer again. The big thing is, I've just ordered a brand new digital audio workstation (from ADK Pro Audio) for recording & mastering. It's being loaded w/ (guess what?)...XP Pro. I do not want to have this same problem occur w/ the new machine...& I REALLY want to get it solved on my work machine.

If anyone can provide any experience or insight on this...it will certainly be appreciated.

Thanks,

mark4man

tosh9i · Nov 20, 2007

Try this:

Start Menu > Run > sfc /scannow

If that doesn't work, you can try to reinstall Service Pack 2.

mark4man · Nov 21, 2007

tosh9i...

Thanks...&...

...what the heck was that? I tried it just now, at home, on my own computer. Windows File Protection popped up...asked me to insert my original OS disk...ran a 10 minute check to find out if my protected Windows files were intact...& then just disappeared when it was complete.

Is there no generated report? Is it supposed to tell you what the findings were?

Thanks,

mark4man

tosh9i · Nov 21, 2007

it basically checks for missing or corrupt files and replaces them with the right ones.

http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

But, more importantly, did it work?

tosh9i · Nov 21, 2007

As for whether or not it generates a log, I have no idea, sorry.

mark4man · Nov 21, 2007

well...

The info in your link states that if it prompts for the installation disk...it has found corrupt files. So...I guess that means it worked, on my home PC.

I'll try it tomorrow on my work PC (where I'm having the problem) & check back.

Thanks very much,

mark4man

mark4man · Nov 27, 2007

OK...

Ran sfc / scannow...w/ the OS disk (when requested.)

Problem still occurs.

Nothing unusual in the Event Viewer Logs. Under 'System' I have the usual Service Control Manager entries, w/ no errors...under 'Applications' I also have no errors.

Under Task Manager...sometimes when the problem occurs, there's a spike to 60%...sometime's there's no spike.

Really hate this machine...this is real hatred...the kind you read about happening during the Spanish Inquisition or the Mongol hordes pillaging across the Steppes.

mark4man

tosh9i · Nov 27, 2007

Okay, try reinstalling Service pack 2. It shouldn't take too long to reinstall it.

mark4man · Nov 27, 2007

what...the whole damn operating system?

tosh9i · Nov 27, 2007

Service Pack 2 isn't the whole damn operating system. Besides, when I had a very similar problem, I reinstalled Service Pack 2, and then everything was back to normal. It took about 15-20 minutes to reinstall.

mark4man · Nov 27, 2007

so then...where is it found...as part of the OEM OS disk? If so...it can be reinstalled separately? & then...afterwards...what about subsequent updates from Microsoft (the Hotfixes)...what happens to those in the reinstall?

tosh9i · Nov 27, 2007

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...loads/details.aspx?FamilyID=049c9dbe-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a&DisplayLang=en

mark4man · Nov 28, 2007

From that informational:

DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER: A smaller, more appropriate download is now available on Windows Update. The best way to ensure you get Windows XP Service Pack 2 is by turning on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP today. You can use our step-by-step instructions or, if you prefer, let us do it for you.

(& I'm running XP Pro, anyway.)

tosh9i · Nov 28, 2007

mark4man said:
From that informational:

(& I'm running XP Pro, anyway.)

Yeah yeah, I know all that, ignore it. It only applies if you're installing service pack 2 for the first time, not if you're reinstalling it.

mark4man · Nov 29, 2007

no...what I'm saying is: that link is the download for XP SP2. I'm running XP Pro.

Isn't there a difference (in the service packs...between XP standard & XP Pro)?

The other thing I'm scared of is...this is my work PC. If I blow it up (w/ this reinstall...if you're not absolutely sure)...my boss will blow me up.

mark4man

MPod · Nov 29, 2007

I would actually be impressed if you managed to blow it up. Anyway, it's the same service pack for any version of Windows XP.

mark4man · Dec 3, 2007

Well...

This is a weird update...

I attempt to reinstall SP2, but it gets about 2/3 of the way through & spits up an error dialog that reads: 'Access Denied'. I hit OK (since there was nothing else that could be done at the time)...& another dialog pops up that states: 'SP2 did not completely install...your operating system may not function correctly'.

So the machine reboots...& everything seems fine (?)

&...for the time being...my problem is solved (& with it a couple of other minor Windows Explorer related difficulties as well.)

So…I guess I'm happy...& thanking everybody. But...f_in' computers, man !!!...so strange they operate. [I'm also a digital musician; & a couple of years ago was entertaining the idea of switching to a Mac. Then, a couple of Mac guys I know tell me: "don't bother...we're just as messed up as you Windows guys are".]

Anyway, thanks again everyone...I'll report back if the situation changes.

mark4man

XP Pro & Windows Explorer...Jet Lag Blues

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