Windows explorer acting funny

[Mark]

Occasionally when I open Explorer and click to expand the
contents of the C: drive my mouse pointer changes to the
hourglass and everything freezes for several seconds.
When it is done thinking Explorer closes on its own, the
icons in my system tray disappear, and then some of them
are reloaded, but not all. I have checked the system
process list and it shows the programs that should have
icons in the system tray but don't as still running, they
just no longer have the icon in the tray. This is minor
I suppose but it is annoying and negates the quick access
functionality that the system tray icons are supposed to
provide. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[Malke]

Occasionally when I open Explorer and click to expand the
contents of the C: drive my mouse pointer changes to the
hourglass and everything freezes for several seconds.
When it is done thinking Explorer closes on its own, the
icons in my system tray disappear, and then some of them
are reloaded, but not all. I have checked the system
process list and it shows the programs that should have
icons in the system tray but don't as still running, they
just no longer have the icon in the tray. This is minor
I suppose but it is annoying and negates the quick access
functionality that the system tray icons are supposed to
provide. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers.

I assume you've scanned with a current av using updated definitions and
removed spyware. If this is happening randomly, you may have failing
hardware or overheating. Open the case and run open, observing all
fans. Clean out dust bunnies. The next step is a RAM test. I like
Memtest86 from www.memtest86.com. Download the precompiled Windows file
which will make a bootable floppy. Boot with the floppy and run the
test for quite a long time - overnight is best. Post back if you need
more help.

Malke