Desktop crashes often, why?

[Don Wiss]

I have XP Pro that is up-to-date (except no WGA). When in Windows Explorer
when I move to a new folder my desktop will often (at least several times a
day) crash. The screen flashes and all the desktop icons return to the
default and over the next few seconds are then restored. My folder view is
always Details. Often (always?) the entered folder with have some jpgs. I
haven't been able to find any other pattern to this.

Don <www.donwiss.com> (e-mail link at home page bottom).

 

[meerkat]

I have XP Pro that is up-to-date (except no WGA). When in Windows Explorer
when I move to a new folder my desktop will often (at least several times
a
day) crash. The screen flashes and all the desktop icons return to the
default and over the next few seconds are then restored. My folder view is
always Details. Often (always?) the entered folder with have some jpgs. I
haven't been able to find any other pattern to this.

Hi Don
Go have a look at your Event Viewer to see what errors/warnings
you have.
Mainly Apps and system, you might find some clues.

bw..

 

[db]

try booting in safe
mode and see if it
stills happens.

if not, then something
might be running in
memory that may be
burdening your system
in normal mode.

you can test the theory
above by initiating a
"clean boot" and see
if the performance
improves.

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- Microsoft Partner
- @hotmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~"share the nirvana" - dbZen

 

[Singapore Computer Service]

Hello,

Look at the Event Viewer for some clues. Here's how

Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer

Look under Application and System for 'Error' and 'Warnings'. More
information on Event Viewers here - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427
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[Don Wiss]

Go have a look at your Event Viewer to see what errors/warnings
you have.
Mainly Apps and system, you might find some clues.

I went and looked. The only application warnings are when Tardis can't
connect to a time server. The only system warnings are when I turned my
modem off and the system couldn't renew the network address. The only
errors were a week ago when WinAmp blew up.

Don <www.donwiss.com> (e-mail link at home page bottom).

 

[Lem]

I have XP Pro that is up-to-date (except no WGA). When in Windows Explorer
when I move to a new folder my desktop will often (at least several times a
day) crash. The screen flashes and all the desktop icons return to the
default and over the next few seconds are then restored. My folder view is
always Details. Often (always?) the entered folder with have some jpgs. I
haven't been able to find any other pattern to this.

Don <www.donwiss.com> (e-mail link at home page bottom).

Your description doesn't really sound like a system crash but rather
slow icon refresh. How much RAM do you have and do you have a lot of
open applications when you experience this behavior?

See the following:
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5164407.html
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm (Line 157, left column)

 

[Don Wiss]

Your description doesn't really sound like a system crash but rather
slow icon refresh. How much RAM do you have and do you have a lot of
open applications when you experience this behavior?

I have only 1 GB of RAM (filling all four slots). The Dell Precision
Workstation 530 is old and uses the horribly expensive Rambus. And I do
like to keep many applications open.

See the following:
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5164407.html

I understand this one. There was no entry for Max Cached Icons. I created
one and entered 2048. Time will tell if it worked.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm (Line 157, left column)

I didn't understand this one.

What I still don't understand is when I change folders why does the entire
desktop need to be refreshed?

Don <www.donwiss.com> (e-mail link at home page bottom).

 

[Don Wiss]

Your description doesn't really sound like a system crash but rather
slow icon refresh. How much RAM do you have and do you have a lot of
open applications when you experience this behavior?

See the following:
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5164407.html

It's been a day now and no problem during that day. So apparently that
fixed it. Thanks!

Don <www.donwiss.com> (e-mail link at home page bottom).