Desktop freezes

nic8 · 03-21-2007, 10:18 AM

Hello, this is my first post :)

I got a problem that appeared suddenly out of nowhere, with no apparent reason.
My desktop (explorer.exe really) freezes/hangs immediately everytime I do one of the following:

* Right click on any file on the desktop (or in file explorer)
* Try to move a file (drag n' drop)
* Mark a file and press ALT + ENTER (to see file properties page)
* Press WINDOWS + E (to start explorer) (I CAN start explorer via the shortcut though)
* Try to delete a file
* Try to copy a file

I then have to kill "explorer.exe"... when I kill explorer.exe it doesn't automatically restart like it usually does, instead I have to Run "explorer.exe" to get my desktop back. (which is wierd)

I've tried installing alternative desktops/shells like LiteStep and ROSexplorer but the same happens with them. (which is interesting).

Also, when I right click on any item in Opera download manager, Opera freezes too (but not explorer.exe).

So I am now unable to copy/delete files and therefore I am not optimally happy at this time :/
I actually have to use various programs to copy files, for example to copy an image file I have to start my image viewer and choose "Save as..." to copy the image. To copy a video file I use my mediaplayer etc. (so copying actually works on the filesystem level, but not with explorer).

I consider myself to be quite able when it comes to computers (I manage our home network / I program etc) but I cannot solve this one (and I really don't want to format). I'm very strict about what I install on my computer, I don't have any malware and I don't allow others to use my computer so that I can be certain that it's clean.

Please help me.
Thanks :)

~nic8

--
Specs: hmm what is relevant? WinXP home SP2. 512RAM, Celeron 2Ghz, DX9.0c

auntiej · 03-21-2007, 03:00 PM

nic, does the same thing happen in your other user accounts or only the one? I'm probably veering in the wrong direction but I wonder if it could be a profile issue, or have you ruled that out?

nic8 · 03-22-2007, 06:06 AM

auntiej, you are on the right track!
I tried creating a new account and the freezing doesn't happen in that account!

I still get it in my main account. I tried closing all programs but it still happens. I have very few programs running after closing all 3rd party software, check the attached GIF.

~nic8

Geekgirl · 03-22-2007, 06:10 AM

You can copy data from a corrupted user profile to a new profile by following this link

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811151/

nic8 · 03-22-2007, 07:31 AM

Geekgirl,
When I try that I get Access Denied when trying to open my user account folder. I can't access my files from another account. Can that be changed?

On a side note:
What's happening here?? Look at the attached image.
All important system processes have dissappeared! Could it be that I have a rootkit on my system? (ooh, I hope not).

~nic8

auntiej · 03-23-2007, 02:53 PM

nic, do the system processes disappear in the new account you have created or do you get the same as the picture you posted?

Geekgirl · 03-23-2007, 03:30 PM

You might need to take ownership of the files/folders

You can find out how to take ownership of a file/folder here

And you can find out about changing permissions to files/folders here

Have you tried System Restore to a point before this happened?

03-21-2007, 10:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
nic8 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 3 OS: WinXP home SP2 (5.1/2600)	Desktop freezes Hello, this is my first post :) I got a problem that appeared suddenly out of nowhere, with no apparent reason. My desktop (explorer.exe really) freezes/hangs immediately everytime I do one of the following: * Right click on any file on the desktop (or in file explorer) * Try to move a file (drag n' drop) * Mark a file and press ALT + ENTER (to see file properties page) * Press WINDOWS + E (to start explorer) (I CAN start explorer via the shortcut though) * Try to delete a file * Try to copy a file I then have to kill "explorer.exe"... when I kill explorer.exe it doesn't automatically restart like it usually does, instead I have to Run "explorer.exe" to get my desktop back. (which is wierd) I've tried installing alternative desktops/shells like LiteStep and ROSexplorer but the same happens with them. (which is interesting). Also, when I right click on any item in Opera download manager, Opera freezes too (but not explorer.exe). So I am now unable to copy/delete files and therefore I am not optimally happy at this time :/ I actually have to use various programs to copy files, for example to copy an image file I have to start my image viewer and choose "Save as..." to copy the image. To copy a video file I use my mediaplayer etc. (so copying actually works on the filesystem level, but not with explorer). I consider myself to be quite able when it comes to computers (I manage our home network / I program etc) but I cannot solve this one (and I really don't want to format). I'm very strict about what I install on my computer, I don't have any malware and I don't allow others to use my computer so that I can be certain that it's clean. Please help me. Thanks :) ~nic8 -- Specs: hmm what is relevant? WinXP home SP2. 512RAM, Celeron 2Ghz, DX9.0c

03-21-2007, 03:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
auntiej Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 193 OS: xp	Re: Desktop freezes nic, does the same thing happen in your other user accounts or only the one? I'm probably veering in the wrong direction but I wonder if it could be a profile issue, or have you ruled that out?

03-22-2007, 06:10 AM	#4 (permalink)
Geekgirl Manager, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 12,404 OS: 98SE/WinXP Home/WinXP Pro Blog Entries: 1	Re: Desktop freezes You can copy data from a corrupted user profile to a new profile by following this link http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811151/ __________________ Compare NOD32 to your current antivirus and anti-spyware solution, HERE How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista How to back up and restore the registry in Windows 98/ ME / NT 4.0 / 2000 I DO NOT ACCEPT EMAILS AND WILL NOT REPLY TO THEM !!!!! TSF DOES NOT SUPPORT ASSISTANCE THROUGH EMAIL OR PRIVATE MESSAGES, PLEASE KEEP ALL QUESTIONS IN THE OPEN FORUM

03-23-2007, 02:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
auntiej Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 193 OS: xp	Re: Desktop freezes nic, do the system processes disappear in the new account you have created or do you get the same as the picture you posted?

03-23-2007, 03:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
Geekgirl Manager, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 12,404 OS: 98SE/WinXP Home/WinXP Pro Blog Entries: 1	Re: Desktop freezes You might need to take ownership of the files/folders You can find out how to take ownership of a file/folder here And you can find out about changing permissions to files/folders here Have you tried System Restore to a point before this happened? __________________ Compare NOD32 to your current antivirus and anti-spyware solution, HERE How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista How to back up and restore the registry in Windows 98/ ME / NT 4.0 / 2000 I DO NOT ACCEPT EMAILS AND WILL NOT REPLY TO THEM !!!!! TSF DOES NOT SUPPORT ASSISTANCE THROUGH EMAIL OR PRIVATE MESSAGES, PLEASE KEEP ALL QUESTIONS IN THE OPEN FORUM