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Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close

Anonymous
2011-10-12T00:24:52+00:00

I keep getting an error message when I open "My Pictures."  It says Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close.   We are sorry for the inconvenience.  Then there is an option to tell Microsoft about this problem.   I have clicked send error message on several occasions this week and nothing happens.  Don't want to lose my pictures.  Using Windfows XP.    Appreciate help.  Marilyn

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-10-12T17:36:49+00:00

    Hi,

    • How long have you been facing this issue?
    • What were the changes made before the issue occur?

    Try the Methods provided below and check if the issue persists.

    Method 1:

    I would suggest you to follow the steps mentioned in the article given below.

    "Explorer Has Encountered an Error and Needs to Close" Error Message When you Start Windows XPhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/822797

    **Method 2:Step 1:**I would suggest you to boot into safe mode and check whether the issue persists. Follow the steps mentioned below.

    a.       Restart computer and keep tapping F8 till you reach the boot menu.

    b.      Select safe mode and press Enter.

    If the issue does not persist in safe mode then, I would suggest you to do a clean boot and check whether the issue persists.

    **Step 2:**Follow the steps mentioned in the article given below to do a clean boot.

    How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" statehttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

    Note: Put the system in Normal Startup by following the steps mentioned in ‘Steps to configure Windows to use a Normal startup state’ section

    **Method 3:**I would suggest you to do a SFC (System file checker) scan on the system and check whether the issue is resolved. Follow the steps mentioned in the article given below.

    Description of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 System File Checker (Sfc.exe)http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747

    Note:

    Windows XP installation disc may be requried for SFC.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-07-11T22:15:40+00:00

    Thank you for your help can get into programs in safe mode but can't seem to do updates have service pack 2 needs 3 yet I have auto updates on so don't know why its not updated and won't let me do in safe mode and can't do in normal mode tried to use microsoft fix it, tells me that I need to upgrade to service pak 3. Long story short can still get on internet using google to get to internet explorer also email works. Think I need to call someone who can fix as I'm getting really confused what to do. Also don't know what microsoft light is but its on my computer says need to be updated don't know whether to do this or not or delete. 

    Thank You

    I fixed the problem went into downloads XP used the IT Professional and it downloaded ServicePac 3 successfully took a few hours but was easy to do and everything works again. 

    Thank You for telling me about safe start as it did take away alot of stress that I thought I had lost everything and when I could get into pictures etc knew it was still in computer somewhere and wasn't gone

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-07-06T22:39:50+00:00

    Thank you for your help can get into programs in safe mode but can't seem to do updates have service pack 2 needs 3 yet I have auto updates on so don't know why its not updated and won't let me do in safe mode and can't do in normal mode tried to use microsoft fix it, tells me that I need to upgrade to service pak 3. Long story short can still get on internet using google to get to internet explorer also email works. Think I need to call someone who can fix as I'm getting really confused what to do. Also don't know what microsoft light is but its on my computer says need to be updated don't know whether to do this or not or delete. 

    Thank You

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-06-20T20:58:03+00:00

    Thank You for the information will try later as we are having major weather storms thunder and lightning for the next day or two so want to turn off all electrical devices. Will get back to you when safe to stay on computer. Been having this problem since Friday. I installed free Version of Zone Alarm then computer froze up after, then lost everything on desktop except picture so went into task manager

    recovered my desktop and start button, have deleted Zone Alarm also did restore to last good configuration. 

    Thank You

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-10-12T19:02:09+00:00

    Are you right clicking the My Pictures folder to open it or double clicking it to open it?

    If you are not sure, try it both ways ans report back with your findings.

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