Windows Explorer Is Like Totally Borked
March 28, 2011 11:21 AM Subscribe
When I boot up my Dell Vista tower, a window opens on the desktop saying "Windows Explorer Has Stopped Working" and asks me to restart the program. When I do restart, it goes on and on for a loop that lasts a thousand years. Can you help me?
So, here's what's happening in more detail:
When I boot my computer, it loads the desktop and then a window opens saying "Windows Explorer Has Stopped Working/Windows can check online for a solution to the problem and try to restart the program". I click the "restart" button and it happens again - the desktop loads and the error window pops up. This happens over and over - basically, I can't access the desktop or use the computer at all.
Things I Have Tried So Far That Do Nothing:
1. Pressed CTRL ALT Delete, selected Task Manager, selected File and New Task(Run). Then typed in explorer and pressed enter.
2. Pressed F8 while it's booting up and then and selected "Last Known Good".
Here are more details about the computer in case it helps:
Operating System: Windows Vista
OS Data Width. - 32 bit (x86)
Ver. - (Home Premium)
Service Pack - (1)
Computer Make: Dell
Model - (Inspiron 530 DT D085029)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E7200
Processor Speed: 1066 MHz.
Memory: 4096 MB.
Hard Drive: 500 GB.
Screen Resolution: 1440 by 900
Web Browser: Chrome and Firefox
E-Mail Client: Webmail
* Operating System was preinstalled
I would appreciate any suggestions! As you can probably tell, I don't understand how computers workâso small words would be great.
BOFFINS I THANK YOU
So, here's what's happening in more detail:
When I boot my computer, it loads the desktop and then a window opens saying "Windows Explorer Has Stopped Working/Windows can check online for a solution to the problem and try to restart the program". I click the "restart" button and it happens again - the desktop loads and the error window pops up. This happens over and over - basically, I can't access the desktop or use the computer at all.
Things I Have Tried So Far That Do Nothing:
1. Pressed CTRL ALT Delete, selected Task Manager, selected File and New Task(Run). Then typed in explorer and pressed enter.
2. Pressed F8 while it's booting up and then and selected "Last Known Good".
Here are more details about the computer in case it helps:
Operating System: Windows Vista
OS Data Width. - 32 bit (x86)
Ver. - (Home Premium)
Service Pack - (1)
Computer Make: Dell
Model - (Inspiron 530 DT D085029)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E7200
Processor Speed: 1066 MHz.
Memory: 4096 MB.
Hard Drive: 500 GB.
Screen Resolution: 1440 by 900
Web Browser: Chrome and Firefox
E-Mail Client: Webmail
* Operating System was preinstalled
I would appreciate any suggestions! As you can probably tell, I don't understand how computers workâso small words would be great.
BOFFINS I THANK YOU
From this page:
Try using System File Checker to scan your OS for missing/corrupt files, complete these steps:
Click Start, and then type cmd in the Start Search box.
In the results area, right-click cmd.exe, and then click Run as administrator. You will be prompted to type the password for an administrator account. Click Continue if you are the administrator or type the administrator password. Then, click Continue.
At the command prompt, type Sfc /scannow, and then press ENTER.
The scan may take some time, so be patient. Windows will repair any corrupted or missing files that it finds. If information from the installation CD is needed to repair the problem, you may be prompted to insert your Windows Vista CD.
Good luck!
posted by white_devil at 11:33 AM on March 28, 2011
Try using System File Checker to scan your OS for missing/corrupt files, complete these steps:
Click Start, and then type cmd in the Start Search box.
In the results area, right-click cmd.exe, and then click Run as administrator. You will be prompted to type the password for an administrator account. Click Continue if you are the administrator or type the administrator password. Then, click Continue.
At the command prompt, type Sfc /scannow, and then press ENTER.
The scan may take some time, so be patient. Windows will repair any corrupted or missing files that it finds. If information from the installation CD is needed to repair the problem, you may be prompted to insert your Windows Vista CD.
Good luck!
posted by white_devil at 11:33 AM on March 28, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks! I did see that answer when I googled, but unfortunately I can't actually click Start. The error window pops up immediately, so the desktop's essentially frozen. Is there another way I can do it?
posted by hot soup girl at 11:41 AM on March 28, 2011
posted by hot soup girl at 11:41 AM on March 28, 2011
Response by poster: Okay, I got into cmd via the Task Manager. It's telling me I must be an administrator running a console session in order to use the sfc utility. Hmm.
posted by hot soup girl at 11:45 AM on March 28, 2011
posted by hot soup girl at 11:45 AM on March 28, 2011
Try pressing Ctrl Shift Enter from task manager after you type cmd and see if that works.
posted by white_devil at 11:59 AM on March 28, 2011
posted by white_devil at 11:59 AM on March 28, 2011
You mention using F8 and trying last known good -- what about safe mode? Have you tried starting in safe mode and then, if that works, using system restore? (When you boot into safe mode, you'll see the help files for restoring already open, generally)
posted by hilaryjade at 6:46 PM on March 28, 2011
posted by hilaryjade at 6:46 PM on March 28, 2011
Response by poster: Try pressing Ctrl Shift Enter from task manager after you type cmd and see if that works.
That didn't do anything, unfortunately.
You mention using F8 and trying last known good -- what about safe mode? Have you tried starting in safe mode and then, if that works, using system restore? (When you boot into safe mode, you'll see the help files for restoring already open, generally)
Alas, I get the same error pop-up in Safe Mode.
posted by hot soup girl at 3:47 AM on March 29, 2011
That didn't do anything, unfortunately.
You mention using F8 and trying last known good -- what about safe mode? Have you tried starting in safe mode and then, if that works, using system restore? (When you boot into safe mode, you'll see the help files for restoring already open, generally)
Alas, I get the same error pop-up in Safe Mode.
posted by hot soup girl at 3:47 AM on March 29, 2011
Response by poster: So I tried a few things, but in the end the solution was provided by Awesome Friend Who Works in IT, who very kindly came round to fix the machine last night in return for fancy booze and chocolate biscuits. Even then, it took three hours of groaning and eventually a restoration to factory settings.
Nonetheless, thanks for all your advice, guys. I appreciate your help.
posted by hot soup girl at 2:15 PM on April 6, 2011
Nonetheless, thanks for all your advice, guys. I appreciate your help.
posted by hot soup girl at 2:15 PM on April 6, 2011
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posted by JayRwv at 11:30 AM on March 28, 2011