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Help-Windows Explorer crashes repeatedly

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by winmorgan

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Hi,

I've been using a Mac for years. Switched to Windows XP Pro on a Dell Inspiron 8200 1.6Ghz, 384 RAM about 6 months ago. Never mind the ugliness...here's the question: I REPEATEDLY have problems with Windows Explorer crashing just when I'm trying to navigate to folders, files, etc. This happens within Photoshop a lot, and happens also within IE (e.g., doing something like saving pics off the web and navigating to a folder).

I've found when Photoshop gets problematic by itself, I cantoss its Preferences and that usually solves the problem. Does anyone know of a similar or other startegy to take to stop this kind of crashing. I LOATHE this OS, but am stuck with it. Needless to say, being in the middle of something and having programs freeze, need to force quit, etc. is enough to make one scream.

ANY help great appreciated.

Thanks,

Win

5 replies

by thechas

For Windows XP problems, the first step is to make sure that you have the compatability updates installed.

Start by running Windows update.
For your situation, I would install the critical, security, and maybe the driver updates.

Some users have had problems after installing Service Pack 1, so that is at your discretion.

Next, check with Adobe for Photoshop updates.

The next problem source, is adware / spyware.
These are programs that watch what you do with your computer, and report to advertizers so that they can specifically target you with adds.
You can use AdAware from www.lavasoft.de to get rid of most spyware.

Finally, Photoshop does use a lot of system resources. If you are working on large images, the best cure may be to increase your installed RAM.
I have 768MB on my XP Pro system, and advise most users to install as much RAM as they can fit/afford.
1GB of RAM would not be out of the question for your needs.

Chas

by winmorgan

I have Windows update set to run automatically...so, would that mean that the "critical, security, and driver updates" are current? I always install when it says new updates are ready to be installed.

Second, I'll get the spyware thing from www.lavasoft.de, and thank you for that tip.

Last, how do I decide about Service Pack 1? I know it's out there, but wasn't sure whether to use it or not.

Thank you, AND please note I'll rate your next response as "Accpetable," etc. ...only reason I didn't do so now was I wanted to make sure you got this further question, and was afraid if I did rate it as acceptable and closed the question I might not get the further reply.

Thank you very much and best regards,

Win

by thechas

Win,

If you have Windows Update set on automatic, I suspect that service pack 1 has already been installed on your system.

Microsoft has what they refer to as an 'Express' install of SP1 on the updates list.

Did the problems with Explorer start after early September?
That is around when SP1 would have shown up on the Windows Update list.

If so, you may be one of the users having problems with SP1.

I have not as yet installed SP1 on either of my XP systems. I'll see how much free time I have this weekend.

Still, I suspect that your main problem is not enough RAM.

Chas

by winmorgan

Chas...thanks again. I'll just rate this as acceptable and hope this further note gets to you and you can reply. If you can't post any further replies because the question is closed, can you contact me via email at win@ihot.com ? (I don't know how else to tell you to contact me other than putting my email address in this comment...)

Do you know how to tell if SP1 is on the machine, and, second, if it is, can it be pulled (uninstalled?0?

I can't tell you for sure when the Explorer problems started, but it's entirely possible that it was around then. Again, can SP1 be uninstalled?

Finally, I'll be getting another 384 of RAM and hope I can figure out how to install it on the laptop...I was usually able to do this with Mac powerbooks, so it can't be too much worse (I hope).

Thank you for your help,

Win

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