Windows Explorer can't copy anymore

[Chiba]

Hi,

I have pretty much the same problem as described in this thread, with a few differences. I can copy files on the same disk, but after doing this a few times it doesn't work anymore, the right click option is greyed out too. Then I have to close the explorer, start it again and I can copy a few times, then the same happens. What's weird is that if the paste/copy option in the right click menu is greyed out I also can't drag&drop files anymore. They're stuck and won't move until I restart the explorer.
Copying folders doesn't work at all, no matter of what size they are. Also copying from one disk to another doesn't work, neither with files nor with folders. I really don't know what to do, this error came suddenly, I don't have any virus or other malware on my PC. Also the copy function works normal in all other applications, except the Windows Explorer.
I've already asked in so many different forums and noone knew any solution to this. But I don't want to make a completely new installation of my whole system, just because of the explorer not working. You're my last hope, don't let me down. I'm really desperate.

[yxsean380]

if its greyed out try selecting the object holding down control and then hit c (Ctrl +C) and then go to where u want to paste the object and hold down control and hit v (Ctrl+V)

[Chiba]

As said, this isn't working either. When it's greyed out in the right click menu, I can't copy, whatever I try. But only in Windows Explorer, everywhere else I can still copy.

[xxxxx]

I have the same problem which only surfaced in the last day or so. Windows 2000. Copying/moving from a command prompt works fine as does the Send To Any Folder extension, but any of the usual clipboard functions in Explorer (using keyboard or mouse) only work once or twice after Explorer is started.

Another peculiarity that started a couple of weeks ago is that the Explorer views in common dialog boxes (Open & Save) have changed their sort to Date Modified and I have to use Details view to change it to something more useful. Not sure that this is related to the clipboard problem, but thought I should mention it in case you're having the same problem.

The only software I've installed lately is a new version of NetTransport and Diskeeper.

[Chiba]

I have no sorting problems, so this doesn't seem to be related to the copy& paste problem.
When I noticed this problem first (which is already a few months ago, that's how long I try to find a solution) I couldn't remember having installed any new software in the days before. But to exclude this as an error I set my system back to the status of 3 weeks before that error first occured and it still was there. So it must be located in some files that Windows doesn't backup.

Does anyone maybe know of a repair function that re-installs the complete Windows Explorer and its components? Or is the Explorer integrated into the system in a way that a new installation would lead to an instable system?

[snooker]

Hi ... Do you have an windows xp disc ? You can always try doing a repair installment from it , Afterward just get your updates again from microsoft

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

....

[Chiba]

Yes I do have the disc. I was already thinking about using the reapir function, but is it really secure? I dont want to have more errors after that.

[snooker]

Have you done any scans with anti-virus or spyware programs ? Is your system clean of viruses / malware ? If so ? Then I would try the repair option and afterward get all the updates from microsoft , All your programs stay intact , it just the windows files that need to be updated but , To be on the safe side just make a back up / copy of the stuff you really want ...

[xxxxx]

*I* did find a trojan shortly after my last post (Win32:Trojan-gen in C:\WINNT\tmlpmg.exe) and moving it seems to have solved the problem (although I couldn't figure out how/if it was actually being run).

I also removed a few things from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\...\Run, including the QuickTime boot task and Pinnacle InstantCopy driver check (a program that was supposedly uninstalled), but these seem unlikely culprits.

My sort problem OTOH has got a little weirder (or I'm noticing more weirdness). If I click on the Type column then press F5 I get a sort arrow in both the Type column *and* the Modified column (pointing in opposite directions) although the files seem to be sorted only by date modified. Perhaps time for a new thread.

[snooker]

Hi ... Here is options you can perform to clean up your system ...

If you have an Anti-Virus Program which is fairly new ( mostly under a year )and you are sure that you are still recieving update definitions ? Then update yours now ....
Then afterward download a few programs , Like these here below
first one is Ad aware ( free Version )
http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/
Start up this program , What you need to get is the most latest update for it ,run JUST the "updated" option and afterward close the program for later use ...
Next program >> Spybot Search and Destroy ( Free )
http://www.safer-networking.net/en/download/index.html
Next Program >> SpywareBlaster ( Free )
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html
Next Mcafee Stinger
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
Okay now perform this operation from this website below
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310405
Okay this is next to perform below :
Click Start. >>Open My Computer. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options. Select the View Tab.
Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders. Uncheck the Hide protected
operating system files (recommended) option. Click Yes to confirm. Click OK.
DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE WARNING POP UP WINDOW THIS IS NORMAL , just click yes
Now its time to start your computer in Safe Mode
How to start up in safe mode , there is 2 ways in doing so , just choice one method only ... Look at this website below
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/foru...orial=61#winxo
Okay once in safe mode do the following : Clear out the Temporary internet files and other temp files.
Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel >Internet Options.
Under the General tab click the Delete temporary internet files,
delete all Offline content as well. Clear out Cookies ... Now close eveything and be back at your desktop
Now click the start buttom > then the Search/Find option > click Files or folders > in the named box, type: *.tmp , click search afterward choose Edit > select all -> File > delete.
Empty/delete the entire contents of the C:\Windows\temp folder and C:\temp folder, (Contents only but not the folder itself.)
This one too if it is there C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temp\
Delete the recycling bin ...
Now start up Mcafee Stinger and afterward Ad Aware and just basically perform the options its set at for now ... And remove whatever it finds ...
Start spybor search and destory and do the same with this program
Also with the spyware blaster , just clean what it finds ....
Now use your Anti - Virus Program and run it and see what it finds ...If your anti-virus finds anything try the repair option first, if that can't be done then delete the file...
Now restart your computer back to normal mode and reset the setting back too...Once your computer is up and running do the following :
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310405
and this next >>> : http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../xpsysrst.mspx
Okay after all that was done and you want to be sure its clean go to these anti virus scan sites and do the scan from each site if you like
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/Scanners.htm
http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx

If you have any problems with the understanding/suggestion above in how its
done , just ask for help ...

PS : After all this , there is one last option to try " Hijackthis "

[xxxxx]

Sort problem also fixed (touch wood). Just in case someone else comes across this thread from Google (as I did) here are the fixes I found...
Contents of the Open and Save As Dialog Boxes Sorted Incorrectly
Repair Dialog Boxes Sorting
The first one fixed the dialog box problem & the second one fixed the Windows Explorer sorting.