problem opening folders, but can start programs, Please help!!

[sadhra1]

Hi im not so wise with computers, but here goes....
I've come back from holiday, turned on my machine, tried to open a folder on my desk top which contains mp3's, but when I double click on the folder icon, all of the icons & shortcuts on the desktop, and the tool bar at the bottom of the screen including the system tray disappear for 4 to 5 seconds leaving just my desktop wall paper, and then reappear.

This is happening each time I go to open a folder such as:
My computer
Control panel
general folders on the desktop / PC

I can However initate programs, such as
Internet explorer
Firefox
AVG
Spybot search&destroy.

So I can use the computer, but not access any folders directly
I've run all sytem scans, and nothing. I am also unable to use the system restore function. Please can some one help me!!! would be most grateful!!!!

[NeoPa]

It seems that Windows Explorer (which is the fundamental shell for the OS as well as a program to show your files and folders) is crashing.

Because it is the OS shell, it restarts itself whenever the OS detects it's not there. That's what is taking 4-5 secs.

Fixing something like this is not something you can do via forums - there are simply far too many variables to consider. I suggest you get some expert help in (It'll mean paying I'm afraid - And no - I'm not interested in the business ;) ).

[Cyberdyne]

Hi im not so wise with computers, but here goes....
I've come back from holiday, turned on my machine, tried to open a folder on my desk top which contains mp3's, but when I double click on the folder icon, all of the icons & shortcuts on the desktop, and the tool bar at the bottom of the screen including the system tray disappear for 4 to 5 seconds leaving just my desktop wall paper, and then reappear.

This is happening each time I go to open a folder such as:
My computer
Control panel
general folders on the desktop / PC

I can However initate programs, such as
Internet explorer
Firefox
AVG
Spybot search&destroy.

So I can use the computer, but not access any folders directly
I've run all sytem scans, and nothing. I am also unable to use the system restore function. Please can some one help me!!! would be most grateful!!!!

You can try reinstalling Internet Explorer and possibly doing some updates. What Service Pack are you running? SP1 SP2?
You can also repair windows by inserting your windows xp cd and booting to it, then hitting the repair option and let it fix things.
Hope this helps, Good Luck.