Windows Explorer SLOW and Crashes after SP2

[Guapo Chuck]

After installing SP2 Windows Explorer crashes EVERY time I try to do
anything at all! It also takes FOREVER to load: BEFORE SP2- 1 or 2
seconds, AFTER SP2 - 40-60 seconds. After each crash, I must wait at least
another entire minute to reload Explorer. This has killed my productivity
and literally made my computer un-usable. I am thinking about reverting
back to using an Abacus, which would be faster!
My temporary workaround is to use PowerDesk (www.ontrack.com) which is now
also loading VERY slowly, but at least is not crashing all of the time.
PowerDesk is what Windows Explorer SHOULD have been all along.
I am using a SONY VAIO notebook with their latest BIOS installed. They
blame Microsoft for this problem. Their always pathetic Tech Support
suggested that I reformat my HDD (thus losing all of my settings and
configurations) and re-install their lame OEM version of XP Home, then
re-install all of my programs, blah, blah, blah. This total waste of about
one WORKING WEEK OF MAN-HOURS is their automatic solution for EVERY problem.
I know that there are other victims out there with the exact same problem,
because I have seen their pleas for help in this newsgroup and elsewhere. I
find it curious that nobody has responded constructively to their (and My)
problem.
I consider myself to be a Power User, but not a Total Guru. I have spent
over two weeks fixing many other problems that were created by my SP2
install. I have considered an Uninstall and Reinstall of SP2, but am
understandably gun-shy, as this usually just deepens the quagmire of
problems. Any Total Gurus out there who are familiar with this problem?
Maybe this post will create some interest?

Guapo

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Try the following:

Download the free 30 trial version of System Mechanic and
clean out the junk files, delete invalid shortcuts, and clean/
optimize the registry. Only use the default settings.
http://www.iolo.com/sm/5/index.cfm

Then perform the following:

Introduction to using scannow sfc (system file checker)
http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310312&Product=winxp

How to Perform Disk Error Checking in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315265&Product=winxp

HOW TO: Analyze and Defragment a Disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305781&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Guapo Chuck" wrote:

| After installing SP2 Windows Explorer crashes EVERY time I try to do
| anything at all! It also takes FOREVER to load: BEFORE SP2- 1 or 2
| seconds, AFTER SP2 - 40-60 seconds. After each crash, I must wait at least
| another entire minute to reload Explorer. This has killed my productivity
| and literally made my computer un-usable. I am thinking about reverting
| back to using an Abacus, which would be faster!
| My temporary workaround is to use PowerDesk (www.ontrack.com) which is now
| also loading VERY slowly, but at least is not crashing all of the time.
| PowerDesk is what Windows Explorer SHOULD have been all along.
| I am using a SONY VAIO notebook with their latest BIOS installed. They
| blame Microsoft for this problem. Their always pathetic Tech Support
| suggested that I reformat my HDD (thus losing all of my settings and
| configurations) and re-install their lame OEM version of XP Home, then
| re-install all of my programs, blah, blah, blah. This total waste of about
| one WORKING WEEK OF MAN-HOURS is their automatic solution for EVERY problem.
| I know that there are other victims out there with the exact same problem,
| because I have seen their pleas for help in this newsgroup and elsewhere. I
| find it curious that nobody has responded constructively to their (and My)
| problem.
| I consider myself to be a Power User, but not a Total Guru. I have spent
| over two weeks fixing many other problems that were created by my SP2
| install. I have considered an Uninstall and Reinstall of SP2, but am
| understandably gun-shy, as this usually just deepens the quagmire of
| problems. Any Total Gurus out there who are familiar with this problem?
| Maybe this post will create some interest?
|
| Guapo

 

[Guapo Chuck]

Carey,

Thank you for your quick response. I am familiar with several of the
products you listed, but will follow all of your recos. I do wish to
reiterate that my computer was performing quite satisfactorily right BEFORE
I installed SP2, and began performing VERY POORLY right AFTER the install.
I'll report back to you after I have complied with all of your recos.
Thank you,

Guapo Chuck