Windows explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close

InfernoWolf · 09-01-2007, 12:33 AM

K, when my friend starts up his computer, he gets the infamous "Windows explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close" error. He can;t access start, and his icons are gone. Any advice on how to fix this?

PC eye · 09-01-2007, 12:50 AM

If your friend can boot up in safe mode have him type "sfc /scannow" at the Run prompt with the WIndows disk in the optical drive. The system file checker is the tool there. That will repair/replace any essential system files found damaged or missing. Something is certainly effecting the explorer.exe file to see that.

While in safe mode run the msconfig utility and choose the disable all option in the startup group there. That might be the first thing to try there before running the sfc tool. With a system restart having everything unloaded the system tool can work better for the try there.

InfernoWolf · 09-01-2007, 01:05 AM

He says he doesn't have the windows disk, is there a way he can get one?

PC eye · 09-01-2007, 01:43 AM

The reason for even a recovery disk if for a prebuilt system with Windows preinstalled is the I386 folder found there. Any Windows disk of the same version of XP will have that folder. For getting a full version at a lower then retail price you have to shop online for the OEM for system builders type. Those come in the plastic wrapping and a small booklet without the fancy retail carton and larger paperback for a considerably lower price when you search far enough. Retail sees about $180-$200 while OEMs can be as low as $80-!

09-01-2007, 12:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
InfernoWolf New Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 6	Windows explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close K, when my friend starts up his computer, he gets the infamous "Windows explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close" error. He can;t access start, and his icons are gone. Any advice on how to fix this?

09-01-2007, 12:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,279	If your friend can boot up in safe mode have him type "sfc /scannow" at the Run prompt with the WIndows disk in the optical drive. The system file checker is the tool there. That will repair/replace any essential system files found damaged or missing. Something is certainly effecting the explorer.exe file to see that. While in safe mode run the msconfig utility and choose the disable all option in the startup group there. That might be the first thing to try there before running the sfc tool. With a system restart having everything unloaded the system tool can work better for the try there. __________________ Turning the Tongue into a Device Controller http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Sma...ory?id=5647175 Is EBay going out of the Auction Business? http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=5626840&page=1

09-01-2007, 01:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,279	The reason for even a recovery disk if for a prebuilt system with Windows preinstalled is the I386 folder found there. Any Windows disk of the same version of XP will have that folder. For getting a full version at a lower then retail price you have to shop online for the OEM for system builders type. Those come in the plastic wrapping and a small booklet without the fancy retail carton and larger paperback for a considerably lower price when you search far enough. Retail sees about $180-$200 while OEMs can be as low as $80-! __________________ Turning the Tongue into a Device Controller http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Sma...ory?id=5647175 Is EBay going out of the Auction Business? http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=5626840&page=1

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09-01-2007, 01:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
InfernoWolf New Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 6	He says he doesn't have the windows disk, is there a way he can get one?