Windows Explorer hangs when folder with inage files is opened

[Guest]

Windows Explorer freezes and ends itself, or must be ended, whenever I open a
folder containing an image file (at least .jpg files, for sure). This is true
whether it is all image files, or mixed data types. The window has left/right
navigation arrows, and two other navigation icons that I don't even
understand, in the middle. The items contained in the folder are thumbnailed
across the bottom of the window. Above the arrows it says "No file is
selected." But I am unable to select a file, scroll to the right to see what
else is in there, close the window, or do anything else. It appears to be
expecting a slideshow (one option, in the left pane).

I first noticed the problem with folders containing ebook.exe files, but
those also contain .jpg files. The problem has happened opening nothing but
photos, with various file types (no .exe files).

I need to run these ebook files, see what images and other items are there,
and save the images to other folders. I can't do any of it.

Please help!

Coincidentally (or not?), I am also having trouble with Adobe Reader 8.1
ending every time I try to open a .pdf document (from within the application,
which is OK by itself, or from an external link or browser that launches the
application).

I cleaned the registry, but this didn't solve either problem.

 

[Guest]

First try the options one by one in this article:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/812003

If the above does not help, then download autoruns

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/Autoruns.mspx

Check the explorer extensions. Make sure to set the options to Hide
Microsoft Entries, refresh and uncheck anything you think is suspicious.

Thanks,
Obaid.

 

[Guest]

Thanks. I could not change the view in the offending folders, because as soon
as I opened them, Explorer would immediately freeze, and eventually close.
But I opened a "good" folder, went into Folder Options, restored defaults
(didn't change much), set the view to List mode, and set that for ALL
folders. Much to my amazement, that seems (so far) to have solved the problem.

As far as Adobe Reader is concerned, I intend to do what so many other
fed-up users are doing, and switch to a different product. So there, Adobe!

Maybe then I can finally get back to actual business.

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your feedback.

--
Obaid.

Thanks. I could not change the view in the offending folders, because as soon
as I opened them, Explorer would immediately freeze, and eventually close.
But I opened a "good" folder, went into Folder Options, restored defaults
(didn't change much), set the view to List mode, and set that for ALL
folders. Much to my amazement, that seems (so far) to have solved the problem.

As far as Adobe Reader is concerned, I intend to do what so many other
fed-up users are doing, and switch to a different product. So there, Adobe!

Maybe then I can finally get back to actual business.