SP2 upgrade -> DrWatson Postmortem debugger error in explorer

[Peter]

Hi,
After upgrading my system with SP2, when I right click on
any file, my explorer hangs and most of the time I get an
eror message: "DrWatson Postmortem debugger encountered
an error and needs to close".
There is no problem if I right-click on any folder or
desktop, only on files and shortcuts.

I've searched the net and I found out that this is a
common problem for many people (although it comes in
different flavors), but nobody seems to have a resolution
for it (MS really screwed that one up). I suspect that
something in my shell is creating problems. Possibly, one
of my programs shell extension is causing it. I read that
there is a list of over 50 programs MS listed as having
problems with SP2, but I can't find that list anywhere.

Can anyone help me figuring how to get rid of this
problem (without uninstalling SP2 or disabling DrWatson
Postmortem debugger)?
Or possibly list a link to a site with MS listed programs
that conflict with SP2?

Thank you,
Peter

 

[t]

Programs that are known to experience a loss of
functionality when they run on a Windows XP Service Pack
2-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-
us;884130


http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx


did you follow the all instructions (ie. "Before You
Download SP2" section {8. Close all open programs.})

that includes programs running in the background....
(antivirus\firewalls\popupstoppers\system mechanic
suites, etc..)

SP2 itself does not have the issues, need proof: do a
clean install of xp with service pack 2 integrated.

the issues are cause by other programs \ MS updates that
are already on the computer being upgraded or simply
people do not follow the instructions

no kidding, no problems....

t

 

[PA Bear]

See...

Changes to Functionality in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/sp2chngs.mspx

Programs that may behave differently in WinXP SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=884130

Some programs seem to stop working after you install WinXP SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=842242

Troubleshooting Windows Firewall settings in Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=875357

Application Compatibility Testing and Mitigation Guide for Windows XP
Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=9300BECF-2DEE-4772-ADD9-AD0EAF89C4A7
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE), AH-VSOP

Are You Ready for WinXP SP2?
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=windowsxpsp2

What You Should Know About Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/devioussoftware.mspx

AumHa Forums
http://forum.aumha.org

 

[Peter]

OK, I checked the list, but none of the errors listed
associated to the few programs on that list that I have
apply in my case.
I also read the whole "Before You Download SP2" section,
but the "Close all open programs" instruction was not
very descriptive, therefore I understood it only meant to
close all PROGRAMS, not SERVICES.
So, I did not stop any services or background programs.

I understand that SP2 right off the bat on WinXP might
run smoothly, but most people that apply SP2 will apply
it to their already configured PC, full of additional
programs. So either the SP2 should sense conflicting
programs and warn the user, or at least it should
elaborate on closing all services before upgrading. The
way this is right now, it's a huge ovesight on MS part,
and the proof is a lot of people having serious problems
after upgrading with SP2. Explanation that SP2 works fine
under "sterile" environment is just not good enough.

I still need help with my problem...
Peter