Windows Explorer crashes every time it it touched

[Retired]

Shortly after installing SP2 (2-3 days), Windows Explorer began crashing every time I tried to access it. The message provided is:
"Windows has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for any inconvenience."

Thinking that it was an SP2 problem, I backed SP2 out, but I still got the constant crash. The next step was to re-install XP, which I did. Explorer still crashes whenever it is touched. Explorer never opens, just crashes.

In desperation, I downloaded a trial copy of "Universal Explorer" which gets me into the file structure and individual files but does not do some of the things I need to do. It does, however, have a launch bar that has Windows Explorer on it. When I click on it, Windows Explorer opens and I can expand the directory structures (using the + -), but when I click on any individual directory or file it crashes with the same tired message.

I looked for similar posts without success. I did try to Repair XP using the Install disk (advice given in another posting), but could not find a Repair function. When I click on the Browse CD function, it (Explorer) crashes.

It seems that anything I try to do, that requires interaction of Windows Explorer and the Directory/File system causes an abnormal Termination.

I am at a loss. Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated!

[Orien2]

Originally Posted by Retired

Shortly after installing SP2 (2-3 days), Windows Explorer began crashing every time I tried to access it. The message provided is:
"Windows has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for any inconvenience."

Thinking that it was an SP2 problem, I backed SP2 out, but I still got the constant crash. The next step was to re-install XP, which I did. Explorer still crashes whenever it is touched. Explorer never opens, just crashes.

In desperation, I downloaded a trial copy of "Universal Explorer" which gets me into the file structure and individual files but does not do some of the things I need to do. It does, however, have a launch bar that has Windows Explorer on it. When I click on it, Windows Explorer opens and I can expand the directory structures (using the + -), but when I click on any individual directory or file it crashes with the same tired message.

I looked for similar posts without success. I did try to Repair XP using the Install disk (advice given in another posting), but could not find a Repair function. When I click on the Browse CD function, it (Explorer) crashes.

It seems that anything I try to do, that requires interaction of Windows Explorer and the Directory/File system causes an abnormal Termination.

I am at a loss. Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated!

try this bud, it's not a microsoft certified solution. I'm a writer not a software engineer. But I did this and it works if you got XP which I'm guessing you do this is probably gonna fix it.

Getting rid of explorer errors in computers with the AMD chip on board.
It'll leave you vulnerable to virus maybe but at least you'll be able to use your computer unless you are terminally stupid then you should have no trouble with it. If you are and prone to sue then forget everything I just told you.

1.click the Start button at the bottom left of your screen
2.click the Control Panel menu item
3.then double-click the System icon.
4.Click the Advanced tab
5.Find the item marked Performance right under there is a button that says Settings.
6.Click the Data Execution Prevention tab.
7.You'll see two options in that window click the second option that says "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select."
8. when you are finished with that then click the 'add...' button it should be visable at the bottom of the box. then you have to find where the file 'explorer.exe' resides on your computer most of the time it's something like this c:\windows\explorer.exe anyway add explorer to that list. It'll give you a warning just ignore it and click ok. Then you reboot and if you try it everything should work just fine.

[PerryM]

You need to download shellexview and then find this and disable it.

They automatically downloaded to my machine, can I invoice them for my wasted 3 hours!

BrowserHelper Class Yes
Browser Helper Object RealDownload
4.0.0.42 RealDownload RealNetworks, Inc.
No No No
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nzdd.dll
{EBCDDA60-2A68-11D3-8A43-0060083CFB9C} 4/3/2007 10:05:30 AM4/3/2007 10:05:33
AM No A 1,150,976

[rgoldwrx]

I have a similar problem.
I've tried
- xp pro repair on my computer
- cleaned registry
- run antivirus check
- run spyware check
- drefragged my drives

The unusual thing is that I downloaded an extensions utility and turned then all off (except MS) and the problem went away. I turned them on again in groups until all were on again and it was working fine... but the problem returns later.

Now I can go in, turn off only 1 extension and its ok for a while.

I'll have a look at these ones above specifically, might be lucky....

[rgoldwrx]

nope, I didn't have those entries. I disabled another token extention and its ok again for a while. Not sure if its next reboot or after some random event that it starts again though....

sigh


there must be some more organized approach to solving these rather than picking through a haystack, randomly trying different things....

[borat]

Am not a computer expert but my friend on this proplem on his computer due to downloading a 3rd party progam..Go to Your ProgramFiles and see if theres a files called "Zango" if so delete it..it worked a dream for him.

[BWA95]

I experienced a similar problem, though I could see the explorer window, it was covered by the Data Execution Prevention (DEP) message. I didn't expect it to be a virus, as my XPSP2 computer is equipped with current firewall and anti-virus, et al.

After trying multiple fixes, found through other internet searches, including DiskClean, RegCure, chkdsk, SFC/SCANNOW, McAfee Stinger, none worked, although RegCure, after several cycles, solved the problem for a little while, DEP would be encountered trying to open the Control Panel, perform a file search, or open windows explorer.

Upon looking to see what information would be transmitted to Microsoft due to the system error, the technical information stated (in part):
Event Type: BEX, P1: explorer.exe, P4: PnEL.dll

Another internet search revealed that PnEL.dll is apparently a component of Earthlink software. I was able to remove Earthlink software from my machine (working behind the DEP window), and the problem appears to be solved!

[Dramamia]

Originally Posted by Orien2

try this bud, it's not a microsoft certified solution. I'm a writer not a software engineer. But I did this and it works if you got XP which I'm guessing you do this is probably gonna fix it.

Getting rid of explorer errors in computers with the AMD chip on board.
It'll leave you vulnerable to virus maybe but at least you'll be able to use your computer unless you are terminally stupid then you should have no trouble with it. If you are and prone to sue then forget everything I just told you.

1.click the Start button at the bottom left of your screen
2.click the Control Panel menu item
3.then double-click the System icon.
4.Click the Advanced tab
5.Find the item marked Performance right under there is a button that says Settings.
6.Click the Data Execution Prevention tab.
7.You'll see two options in that window click the second option that says "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select."
8. when you are finished with that then click the 'add...' button it should be visable at the bottom of the box. then you have to find where the file 'explorer.exe' resides on your computer most of the time it's something like this c:\windows\explorer.exe anyway add explorer to that list. It'll give you a warning just ignore it and click ok. Then you reboot and if you try it everything should work just fine.

Orien2, I followed all of your steps and it WORKED. I've tried everything else until I read your posting. This is very cool. Thanks so much!