Windows XP forum: Win XP Pro SP2 - Windows Explorer Crashes

Ya, I seem to have the same problem and it has been happening for a long time. I don't think it's a hardware problem because this hasn't always happened and I didn't install any new hardware around the time it began. I use Shareaza and thought that perhaps there might be a connection there or with bad files, but I've begun to think that it has more to do with Windows since it has begun to happen to any folder that has avi or mpg files in it. I use VLC media player and also have realplayer loaded as well of course as windows media player. I only have to open windows explorer and access a folder that contains avi's or mpg's and often the affected folder will freeze up before I have the chance to even try to delete the file to eliminate the problem. Any ideas? I've done a search on the forum but haven't found a similar thread yet. PLease post a link if I've missed it. Thanks.

Aldous

I have been struggling with this issue myself here recently and I have found a way to remedy the issue but maybe not "fix". It was driving me crazy anyway so it is something I can definitely deal with. I checked the Application Logs in Event Viewer and looked up the event and read to search the registry for that key and delete it. I tried and it did not work. I then read about the "Fix" and tried applying that and still nogo. Then I finally ran across an article that cleared it up for me when it said it is freezing because it is trying to retrieve summary information about the file to display details and the video preview. Right then I knew to just disable the common task window so it doesn't try to gather this info. This has fixed it for me. If I need details I can right click. However, I did notice that sometimes, not always, it will not display it even if you right click it. But who cares, this is finally relieved me of the annoyance.
If you do not know how to do this just right click My Computer and go to Properties and click the Advanced Tab. Under Performance choose Settings and their is an option to Use Common Tasks in Folder. Just remove the check and apply. Hope this helps. peace.