Anyone else: Search crashes Windows Explorer
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We installed a bunch of new machines and some of our users began experiencing this problem. OS is Windows XP Pro w/all SPs & patches. [Right Click] on [Start] Choose [Search] -- Windows Explorer crashes and the entire shell reboots. I spent 2 entire days trying to nail down the problem. I have a solution but, still don't know why or what software is causing the crash. Solution ======== Turn off dual-core in the BIOs. Does anyone know if there is a software solution to this issue? Searching the web shows I am not alone but, there are no solutions available. Once it happens on a machine, it always happens. It is definitly based on the install and not on the user. Maybe it is due to the order of install/patching. Something is just not happy with dual processing.
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We installed a bunch of new machines and some of our users began experiencing this problem. OS is Windows XP Pro w/all SPs & patches. [Right Click] on [Start] Choose [Search] -- Windows Explorer crashes and the entire shell reboots. I spent 2 entire days trying to nail down the problem. I have a solution but, still don't know why or what software is causing the crash. Solution ======== Turn off dual-core in the BIOs. Does anyone know if there is a software solution to this issue? Searching the web shows I am not alone but, there are no solutions available. Once it happens on a machine, it always happens. It is definitly based on the install and not on the user. Maybe it is due to the order of install/patching. Something is just not happy with dual processing.
I'm not sure what the problem is. Explorer has crashed once while I was doing a search, but it hasn't happened since. I have done some research and I have found that if you have McAfee Anti-Virus installed, this may cause the problem. Also, try checking for any Mal-Ware that may be installed on your computers. If this doesn't work, you might try reinstalling Windows or the Service Pack. Hope this helps.
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I'm not sure what the problem is. Explorer has crashed once while I was doing a search, but it hasn't happened since. I have done some research and I have found that if you have McAfee Anti-Virus installed, this may cause the problem. Also, try checking for any Mal-Ware that may be installed on your computers. If this doesn't work, you might try reinstalling Windows or the Service Pack. Hope this helps.
There is no Mal-Ware present - these are new machines and I tried 3 different spyware removers trying to locate the issue. We do have McAfee installed but, I turned it off trying and resolve the issue. This had no effect. We are using Office XP 2002, we are thinking a newer version may be more multi-processor friendly. It has not happened on all boxes and Office is the only common software on each and every box. Reinstalling did work on one box but, we think this is just a crap shoot. Same software/patches installed but possibly in a different order. We are talking 50+ boxes here. It is much easier to turn a switch in the BIOS than start an install from scratch.
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There is no Mal-Ware present - these are new machines and I tried 3 different spyware removers trying to locate the issue. We do have McAfee installed but, I turned it off trying and resolve the issue. This had no effect. We are using Office XP 2002, we are thinking a newer version may be more multi-processor friendly. It has not happened on all boxes and Office is the only common software on each and every box. Reinstalling did work on one box but, we think this is just a crap shoot. Same software/patches installed but possibly in a different order. We are talking 50+ boxes here. It is much easier to turn a switch in the BIOS than start an install from scratch.
Michael Potter wrote:
We are talking 50+ boxes here. It is much easier to turn a switch in the BIOS than start an install from scratch.
True. Maybe an upgrade would do the trick. What processor brand and model are you using?
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Michael Potter wrote:
We are talking 50+ boxes here. It is much easier to turn a switch in the BIOS than start an install from scratch.
True. Maybe an upgrade would do the trick. What processor brand and model are you using?
Gateway E-6500 3.2ghz Dual Core Intel Interesting note - while the crash notifcation is on screen (the one that will send info to MS if you desire) you can complete your search without error. Of course, leaving the 'always on-top' crash window up is not a good work around. This leads me to believe that some shell extension is causing the issue and XP is killing the main process that tried to load the erred extension. Once you clear the crash screen - Explorer/shell reboots.
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Gateway E-6500 3.2ghz Dual Core Intel Interesting note - while the crash notifcation is on screen (the one that will send info to MS if you desire) you can complete your search without error. Of course, leaving the 'always on-top' crash window up is not a good work around. This leads me to believe that some shell extension is causing the issue and XP is killing the main process that tried to load the erred extension. Once you clear the crash screen - Explorer/shell reboots.
Michael Potter wrote:
This leads me to believe that some shell extension is causing the issue and XP is killing the main process that tried to load the erred extension.
That's the first thing I thought when I read your OP. You can see your installed search extensions in
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\FindExtensions--Mike-- Visual C++ MVP :cool: LINKS~! Ericahist | PimpFish | CP SearchBar v3.0 | C++ Forum FAQ
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Gateway E-6500 3.2ghz Dual Core Intel Interesting note - while the crash notifcation is on screen (the one that will send info to MS if you desire) you can complete your search without error. Of course, leaving the 'always on-top' crash window up is not a good work around. This leads me to believe that some shell extension is causing the issue and XP is killing the main process that tried to load the erred extension. Once you clear the crash screen - Explorer/shell reboots.
Well, I've researched everywhere and I couldn't find anything. Sorry man, wish I could help. Try upgrading your servers, and if that doesn't work, post again. Maybe I'll find something out that will fix the problem. Sorry, hope you can fix it.
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We installed a bunch of new machines and some of our users began experiencing this problem. OS is Windows XP Pro w/all SPs & patches. [Right Click] on [Start] Choose [Search] -- Windows Explorer crashes and the entire shell reboots. I spent 2 entire days trying to nail down the problem. I have a solution but, still don't know why or what software is causing the crash. Solution ======== Turn off dual-core in the BIOs. Does anyone know if there is a software solution to this issue? Searching the web shows I am not alone but, there are no solutions available. Once it happens on a machine, it always happens. It is definitly based on the install and not on the user. Maybe it is due to the order of install/patching. Something is just not happy with dual processing.