My computer won't allow me to open folders?

Question

Everytime I want to open a folder My computer gives me a message saying " Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close...". It gives me the option to send an error report debug or dont send. It seems like the more I open folders the more I get this message. I am running a Windows XP Professional. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

I agree with Delfin
If System restore doesn't fix the problem Try to check your Hard drive for error and here is the steps
Go to start and open My Computer then right click on the local disk (hard drive) then click properties on the properties windows click the Tools tab under Error checking click Check Now and on the second window that appear after you clicked Check Now
Check the 2 check Boxes that say
1. Automatically fix file system Errors
2. Scan for and attempt recovery for bad sectors
Now click Start Windows will tell you can't do it now would like do it when you restart your computer click Yes
and then restart your system when windows start up its will check it don't shut your computer or unplug it

Answer 2

Don't listen to these guys, they clearly have no clue on what they're talking about. I am a developer at Microsoft so I know a thing or two about computers. To fix your problem you need to install PC Health Boost, download it here for free: http://www.healthboostpc.com

It's very light and it's the only antivirus/cleaner with a 99.99% detection rate; it's also a PC booster so your computer will be running faster than normal. Install it, hit run and problem solved. It shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes.

Answer 3

Try a system restore, this may or may not help, if not your windows installation is corrupt, either fork out $50 to MS Support to see if they have a solution, or run a repair install with the Windows CD.

Answer 4

The dwindled icon means the folder is hidden. try placing your ocmputer to teach hidden records (kit>innovations>View tab in domicile windows Explorer). The exe would be a virus, nonetheless i've got never heard of one that does that.

Answer 5

how do you try to open them? do you got to the my computer icon on desk top or start> my computer, I get that ocasionally you may have to reinstall windows, or a repair. check with microsoft, the like these problems to help solve and create fixes.

Answer 6

I would suggest you try a Windows Repair.

WindowsXP System Restore – excellent link – explains with graphics
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

WindowsXP Repair Explained
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/options_to_use_when_a_system_will_not_start.mspx?mfr=true

WindowsXP Repair Tools
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm#How%20to%20Repair%20Windows%20XP%20by%20Installing%20Over%20top%20of%20Existing%20Setup:

http://www.download-download-this.com/4.html?OVRAW=Windows%20Installer%20corrupted&OVKEY=window%20installer&OVMTC=advanced

Fix and/or Repair Windows
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm
http://www.onsitechicago.com/support/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=23&nav=0

Answer 7

if this just recently started, you might try a system restore to a point prior to when the problem began

Answer 8

ya you might want to try fixing you registry try the prgram regclean its safe and reliable if that dosent work try a system restore by clicking start,all programs,accessories,system tools,system restore

Answer 9

try this- restart your computer.