Windows File Explorer display issue

On a system running Windows XP Professional, Windows File Explorer will periodically stop opening unopened folders and drives. If I attempt to expand a folder which contains subfolders, no subfolders are shown. Clicking on this malfunctioning folder will not list the content of the folder. Closing and reopening the explorer window fixes the problem until the next time. There is no timeframe or known trigger that causes the effect. I have applied any and all service packs for XP.