Windows Explorer problem (W98)

[Jll]

Hello. I have a strange problem that I've been trying to figure out. My computer works fast and well for every task except that it will lock up solid with no Ctl-Alt-Del ability if, while using windows explorer, I try to create a new folder directly off the root of C:, or I try to right click on C: to attempt to access properties.

I have downloaded a few different 3rd party shareware programs that are used as a replacement for windows explorer, but they do the same thing. I am guessing these programs are no more than a shell using explorer.

I also have a program called ACDSee which is a photo viewer / editor. I am able to create folders off the C: using that program without lock ups.

I am using a DSL connection and a firewall / router, anti virus program, and Adaware and spybot. Nothing found related to viruses.

I have run scandisk, and defrag. I have used SFC and I have manually elected to replace the EXPLORER.EXE file None of which helped. I have also tried changing virtual memory values to 2048min and 2048 max. No difference.

My computer is a clone I built quite a while back using a Super Micro MB 733 PIII with 512m ram

As I said, other than this, the computer works just fine. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. I really don't want to reformat based on just this issue if I can help it.

Thanks,
joe

[report_2]

Search your C: drive for any files larger than, let's say, 70,000 KB in size. Do search for *.*

You are looking specifically for any video file types. eg. .avi, .mpg, .mov, .rmv, .wmv

If found move them off of the root (C:\ only) and into a sub-directory that is only accessed when trying to access it's contained files.

HTH
Bryan

[Jll]

Hi report_2 Thanks for the reply! The only file that exceeds 4000kb in the root of C: is the WIN386.SWP file which is 131,072KB. I was tempted to delete it, assuming windows would create another one, but I thought I would first reply to your post and see what your suggestion would be.

thanks again!
joe

[report_2]

I don't believe the problem is related to your swap file.

Video files have a tendency to cause a problem very similar to yours as you explain it.

Unfortunately, I have no other ideas at this time.

Perhaps someone else will.

Bryan