Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close.

[David]

I have a new build that I've started to install some software onto
(backup, virus protection, etc). Soon after I started to do this, I
started getting the subject error message on startup. I've
subsequently installed IE7 but continue to get the message 4+ times.
Each time it's dismissed, the desktop appears to re-load. Moving the
pointer into the Task Bar results in the hourglass. The machine is
essentially useless.

The Task Mgr doesn't reveal any process hogging the CPU (2%). I have
not Applications showing in my Applications list in the Task Mgr.
Something is clearly wrong with Windows Explorer.

Unbelievable given how briefly I've had this machine.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!

TIA,
David

 

[David Schwartz]

FYI, moving the Task Mgr window around results in a whole slew of
painting errors.

David

 

[David Schwartz]

Also, when I attempt to shutdown, I'm told that QCTrayWnd isn't
responding. Don't know that it is but thought it might be informative.

David

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

"Windows Explorer has encountered a problem," "Windows Internet Explorer has
encountered a problem," or "Internet Explorer has encountered a problem"?

Did you format & do a clean install (not using an Image)?

There is a very good chance that you are seeing the effects of a hijackware
infection!

NB: If you had no anti-virus application installed or the subscription had
expired *when the machine first got infected* and/or your subscription has
since expired and/or the machine's not been kept fully-patched at Windows
Update, don't waste your time with any of the below: Format & reinstall
Windows. A Repair Install will NOT help!

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

NB: Run the FULL scan, not the QUICK scan! You may need to download the
MSRT on a non-infected machine, then transfer MRT.EXE to the infected
machine and rename it to SCAN.EXE before running it.

2. [WinXP ONLY!! =>] Run the Windows Live Safety Center's 'Protection' scan
(only!) in Safe Mode with Networking, if need be:
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

3. Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting the requested
logs in an appropriate forum, not here.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=4075
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

**Seek expert assistance in
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup, http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
or other appropriate forums.**

If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting
this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.

 

[Gerry]

David

Have a look in the System and Application logs in Event Viewer for
Errors and Warnings and post copies here. Don't post any more than 48
hours ago.

You can access Event Viewer by selecting Start, Control Panel,
Administrative Tools, and Event Viewer. When researching the meaning
of the error, information regarding Event ID, Source and Description
are important.

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/308427/en-us

A tip for posting copies of Error Reports! Run Event Viewer and double
click on the error you want to copy. In the window, which appears is a
button resembling two pages. Click the button and close Event
Viewer.Now start your message (email) and do a paste into the body of
the message. Make sure this is the first paste after exiting from
Event Viewer.

--


Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[David Schwartz]

Given how recently I started this and, as a result, how little it
would take to catch up, I just restored the disk to factory settings
and am starting over again, taking care to evaluate at each stage. If
necessary, I'll return to post the info you're looking for.

Thanks for your help,
David