Windows XP SP3 Explorer Unstable

[Just Listen'']

I have several symptoms:

Explorer is unstable and getting worse. After re-installation of WinXP SP3,
Explorer started shutting down after a window closure. It restarted but this
occurred regularly. Now I can't even complete a login to an existing
account. I get as far as displaying the background before no further
activity occurs. I can still boot to safe mode so I suspect driver problems.

Windows won't shut down. Instead it reboots.

Taskbar settings, i.e. Lock Taskbar and view Quick Launch toolbar, don't
stick from session to session.

 

[Leonard Grey]

Does "Explorer" mean Windows Explorer or Internet Explorer?

Did you follow these instructions to install SP 3?

"Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us

 

[db.·.. >]

you might want to specify
if you are referring to the
sp3 update "or"

the retail version of
winxp-sp3.

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

if you are referring to the
update, then you can
uninstall it and revert to
sp2 and enjoy your functional
pc again.

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

though the above is cut and dry,
basically if sp3 didn't install
automatically and flawlessly, then
you forced it, thus the instability
you are incurring.
--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces

 

[Just Listen'']

Leonard, thanks.

I mean Windows Explorer.

No, I didn't follow them verbatim, but I did review them. Almost nothing
was applicable to my installation, I met the prerequisites, didn't have any
problems on installation, and got the update from MS.

As of a few minutes ago, even my default account wasn't booting successfully
into Safe Mode.

 

[Just Listen'']

sp3 update

you might want to specify
if you are referring to the
sp3 update "or"

the retail version of
winxp-sp3.

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

if you are referring to the
update, then you can
uninstall it and revert to
sp2 and enjoy your functional
pc again.

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

though the above is cut and dry,
basically if sp3 didn't install
automatically and flawlessly, then
you forced it, thus the instability
you are incurring.
--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces

 

[The Real Truth MVP]

Try my Explorer Shell Fix tool. Download it here
http://pcbutts1.com/downloads/tools/tools.htm

 

[Leonard Grey]

If you had carefully followed the instructions, I would know how to
proceed. As you did not, I'm afraid I can't offer any other ideas.

 

[Jim]

I have several symptoms:

Explorer is unstable and getting worse. After re-installation of WinXP
SP3,
Explorer started shutting down after a window closure. It restarted but
this
occurred regularly. Now I can't even complete a login to an existing
account. I get as far as displaying the background before no further
activity occurs. I can still boot to safe mode so I suspect driver
problems.

Windows won't shut down. Instead it reboots.

Taskbar settings, i.e. Lock Taskbar and view Quick Launch toolbar, don't
stick from session to session.

Your symptoms certainly bring up the question of malware.
So, what AV software are you using?
Was your system malware free (as indicated by the AV software) before you
started installation of SP3?
Did you disable the AV software before starting the installation?

As I am not comfortable with leaving my computers connected to the internet
with AV software shutdown, I elected to get the CD.
During the installation, my system was not connected to the internet hence
it could not get infected at that time.

Neither of my systems display any problems at all; as yours does, I can only
conclude that your installation is flawed in some way.
Jim