Windows Explorer – Issues and Repairs

A brief description

Windows Explorer is a Microsoft application essential to the computer operating system as it provides an interface for the user.  It is most commonly associated with the file manager and functionality involving opening, copying, deleting, and other management tasks associated with files and folders.  It is commonly referred to as “Explorer” and sometimes as the “Windows shell” (a “shell” is the interface layer of an application that executes the user’s commands).  As an operating system shell, Windows Explorer provides desktop component functionality associated with icons, wallpaper, taskbar, the start button, and the Control Panel.

Prior to Windows95, Microsoft’s Windows 3.x systems used a file manager and program manager.  With more recent operating systems such as Windows 2000 and XP, Windows Explorer took on new capabilities and features.  Some of these include new methods of folder browsing, desktop update functionality, the addition of desktop channels, virtual folders, and additional toolbars to the taskbar.  Windows Explorer also became modelled on Internet Explorer features such as favourites, address bar, navigation between directories, and more.  A recent advancement, the use of a hidden web page for the purpose of customizing folders, relied on ActiveX components and brought about security vulnerabilities.  Microsoft removed this feature with the release of Windows XP and introduced other tools such as search capability, improved image handling (previewing of images in the file manager), web publishing, and task pane improvements.

Issues and crashes

“Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to shut down”

“Windows Explorer needs to close”

“EXPLORER caused an invalid page fault in module EXPLORER.EXE”

Computer users are all-too-familiar with warnings and error messages related to Windows Explorer.  Frequently, issues arise from applications from third-party vendors that are attempting to add some functionality to Windows Explorer.  Some software utilities can be used to display and disable third-party shell extensions.  Another common cause of errors and system crashes directly impacting Windows Explorer is the infection of viruses, spyware, and other computer ailments referred to here as “malware” – a term that combines the words “malicious” and “software”.  The results typically involve error messages, application shut down, computer freezing, system crashes, and even the inability to start and run the operating system.

Solutions and repairs

Common practice for users facing Windows Explorer issues (assuming they can operate their computer enough to open an Internet browser), is to scour the web in search of an answer.  To find technical support we recommend searching Microsoft Support Knowledge Base at:  http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1

There are also numerous sites with communication threads where users describe experiencing system errors and crashes.  These threads include many useful responses to the cries for computer assistance especially from those having experienced similar problems.  While some of these solutions can lead to successful outcomes, some remedies can lead to further problems.

It is good practice to discover the cause of the error.  This can help prevent running into the same issue again.  Despite best efforts, sophisticated malware can be stealthy and determining the source, let alone removing all traces of malware infection, can be in the least problematic and in severe cases near impossible as the malware propagates itself.  In some cases users are faced with installing a new hard drive or wiping the existing drive, reinstalling the operating system, and starting the task of restoring their computer to a previous working state.

Best practices

There are a number of best practices that you should follow to prevent malware attacks and to protect normal functioning of your computer.  These include:

1. Registry Cleaning: Perform regular scanning and cleaning of your registry to remove failed & incomplete installations and un-installations, corrupt and obsolete drivers, and remnants remaining from Spyware. We recommend using RegCure Registry Cleaner since it has the highest detection rate and scanning speed in the industry.
2. Anti-Spyware Protection: install and periodically run anti-spyware software to detect and remove malicious and unwanted items. XoftSpySE AntiSpyware is highly recommended.
3. Firewall Protection: you can prevent hackers from downloading malicious software content by setting up firewall protection.  For reasons why you should use a firewall see: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/fwbenefits.mspx
4. Configure your security settings: you can adjust your Internet browsing settings to determine how much web content you are willing to accept when surfing the Internet.
5. Safe surfing: by downloading content from sites that you trust, you can prevent malware form being downloaded in the first place.  Review license agreements, security warnings, and privacy statements before decided to download content.

You can manually remove malware, however it is likely that the uninstall.exe file is buried and inaccessible.  Also, many malware items are sophisticated and have either propagated throughout your system or are designed to be evasive and difficult to remove. Having the proper tools to address malware infections will likely save time and be less risky.  A good anti-spyware tool will have scheduling, quarantine, and backup capabilities.  You will also want an anti-spyware utility such as XoftSpySE that does frequent updates and is capable of thorough scans.