Windows XP file explorer locks multiple processes and stops responding when trying to delete files.
This has been on ongoing problem for me with XP since its first installation. I have tried every obvious solution that I am aware of with no success. 1. Safe mode. 2. Changing msconfig for selective startup. 3. Uninstallation of unneeded applications. 4. Disabling services that are using network resources. 5. Disabling firewall and anti-virus processes. 6. All system components are fully updated. 7. Full system wipe and OS re-install.
This happens on three different systems running XP Pro SP2 so I am confident this is not hardware related.
Windows explorer.exe locks files and I am unable to modify them without stopping explorer.exe at the Task Manager and using the command line to make file changes. This is hideously inefficient. I am using freeware app WhoLockMe.exe to see that it is always Explorer.exe that has locked one (or more) processes on the files. Frequently this happens to a single file in a directory containing multiple files. It may have as many as 5 PID's locked by explorer.exe.
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Sounds like you have tried everything, but let's see here.
When you did the full OS wipe, did you remove all partitions and do a reformat of the disk?
Have you tried installing a new Windows OS by itself in a new partition and directory with no other software loaded?
You said this has occurred on 3 different systems. Are these systems networked and has that network been scanned for a worm, virus or trojan coming from a server, such as FunLove or one of the other NETBios-capable ones?
As an additional question, are the 3 different systems the same hardware aka all the same vendor and model?
Does the issue happen with just SP1 on the system?
Individual systems and network traffic is monitored for mailicious apps. I use Spybot S&D, along with several other tools, but find it returns too many false positives. It falsely identifies several required graphics and print related processes as trojans.
Network: Yes, all affected machines are on the same IP network. Other mahcines on the network are not affected.
Hardware: one Dell laptop - P4, 1.0GB, 2 partitions two custom built PC towers with multiple physical drives.
Partitions: No, I have not completely wiped the drives to remove partitions. Data is stored on the non-boot partitions.
Viruses: I have scanned the machines and network for all types of malicious processes. Nothing found. Additionally, I see no evidence of Trojan activity in outgoing firewall logs.
Check the switch, try resetting and see if it helps. Also, it could be a name resolution issue, make sure DNS or WINS is operating properly. Check the binding order of the NIC(s) on your server, make sure it is right for your environment.
Is the problem when you initially browse to the file, or after you open it? If the latter, ensure that firewall on pc's (or server) isn't blocking traffic (I know, sounds stupid, but I had a pc that I turned off the firewall, but all the rules stayed, intermittently).
The trouble is strictly local to each machine. I am not trying to work across the network using explorer.exe. Local files are locked by instances of Explorer.exe processes on each machine.
I am not using WINS on these machines. LMHOST files direct name resolution to static print servers for some machines and central DHCP provides addressing for all.
The only change I have made to network binding is to move WebClient service to the bottom of the provider list.
There are definitely problems with network connectivity related to explorer.exe, but I don't think they are related to the file locking issue. Removeable storage (USB drives) still appear in the Network Neighborhood after the devices have been removed, causing Explorer.exe to stop responding when trying to browse the Network Neighborhood.
As far as the firewalls go, I have uninstalled local soft firewalls and disconnected the hardware firewall and still had this file locking issue.
If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem. Also please exercise your best judgment when posting in the forums--revealing personal information such as your e-mail address, telephone number, and address is not recommended.
File explorer hangs on locked processes
This has been on ongoing problem for me with XP since its first installation. I have tried every obvious solution that I am aware of with no success.
1. Safe mode.
2. Changing msconfig for selective startup.
3. Uninstallation of unneeded applications.
4. Disabling services that are using network resources.
5. Disabling firewall and anti-virus processes.
6. All system components are fully updated.
7. Full system wipe and OS re-install.
This happens on three different systems running XP Pro SP2 so I am confident this is not hardware related.
Windows explorer.exe locks files and I am unable to modify them without stopping explorer.exe at the Task Manager and using the command line to make file changes. This is hideously inefficient. I am using freeware app WhoLockMe.exe to see that it is always Explorer.exe that has locked one (or more) processes on the files. Frequently this happens to a single file in a directory containing multiple files. It may have as many as 5 PID's locked by explorer.exe.