I'm running Windows XP on a Compaq Presario 500MHZ w 256M
RAM. Whenever I go into Windows Explorer and try to
utilize the dropdown bar or expand My Computer, the
application fails. I finally kill it through the task
manager.

Everything else seems to be running ok.

Does anyone have any ideas how to fix?

Hi Ronnie, I don't have an answer but it sounds a lot like the problem I'm having. I'm having a problem with explorer and all other programs when I go to open a file that is in a directory other than the one that shows up in the browse window. When I click on the + beside a folder in the folder pane of explorer to see subdirectories it takes anywhere from a couple minutes to as long as 5 or 6 minutes (maybe more) for the folder to expand. If I click directly on the folder its contents pop right up in the contents view to the right. It also seems to be afffecting thumbnail views and filmstrip view for picture files.
In IExplorer6 when I click on the drop down for the address bar to view previously typed in addresses, IE acts the same way, to the point that I usually use task manager to shut it down. Task manager shows nothing unusual running.

If you find an answer some where else, pleas let me know also. I'll do the same.