Explorer BEX failure

Hi,

Check with ATI Support, their on-line documentation and drivers, and ask about known

issues in their forums. Always check for drivers manually! MS is far behind certifying

drivers and most manufacturers do not even submit all versions of their drivers for

certification. So running Update Drivers from Device Manager or using Windows Updates

is not sufficient. And you need to actually ask support and in the forums as this could be

a known issue with possible solutions. There is no doubt that the ATI driver is involved

in the issue. What is not known is whether it is the total or only cause.

Issues that affect IE also affect Windows Explorer and vice versa, so you have to look at both

even though you use FireFox. If AVG or anything installed a Toolbar or add-on into IE or

Windows Explorer that would affect BOTH of them.

AVG could easily be the cause. Only way to know is to fully uninstall it and then run the AVG

Removal Tool to prevent troublecausing remnants.

Also check with FireFox Support and their forums.

Use the Clean Boot Method to see if that helps troubleshooting.

Check Event Viewer to see if there is any helpful information there.

MyEventViewer can be checked at the time of the Event or BlueScreen (BSOD) to with-in

a second or so of the time of the Event or BSOD to provide more information as to possible

cause - see TIP.

MyEventViewer - Free - a simple alternative to the standard event viewer of Windows.

TIP - Options - Advanced Filter allows you to see a time frame instead of the whole file -

set it to a bit before and after the time of the Event or BSOD.

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/my\_event\_viewer.html

Good troubleshooting is very methodical and skipping steps because you think they do

not apply will usually cause the efforts to be fruitless. Starting at the beginning and working

in a logical manner toward the end is what usually reaps the rewards.

Hope this helps.

---

Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle <- Mark Twain said it right!

Hi,

And wow, lot of information there.  Action synopsis - changed a driver, and that changed the failure response.  Explorer still failed, but doing a different job and with a different reported module.

Browser.  IE8 is installed (came with the upgrade to Win7) and the security patches etc that windows update publishes have been applied, but its not my primary browser.  I use Firefox for most things.  Which sort of made effort focussed on IE rather pointless.

Application Toolbars in the browser.  One installed (AVG security search) - sometimes you can't avoid that, but none are enabled.  I try to keep it that way.

Anti-Virus.  I use AVG 2012.  It was installed immediately after the Win 7 upgrade.  I've tried the AVG 2013 version that has a look of windows 8, and it was an absolute disaster:  installed and ran OK on day 1, but thereafter as each day progressed the boot got slower and slower.  After about 4 days one of 3 machines using it just jammed up - would not boot.  So I reverted to 2012 using safe mode to uninstall, and was very particular about registry clean outs etc. before reinstalling 2012 (worked well) and firing off an irate broadside at AVG.

Some more background on usage of Explorer when it fails.

The files I'm moving around are mostly camcorder files.  Generated by the camcorder, they exist as a hexadecimal based 8.3 filename (eg MOV05A.MOD), and created in a series of folders like PRG001, PRG002 etc.  Each folder has generally 64hex files in it starting at 001, and numbering upwards. So there may be/usually is a mov05A.mod in each folder.  An 8Gb SDHC card will hold 4 or 5 folders each filled with this sort file/filename. Used with an editor that just uses the filename, when there may be 4 or 5 versions of that name on the drive - is a disaster of 'where is it?' waiting to happen.  So after the file move to the editing drive, the files at least need re-naming to identify their sequence - say, the mov05A in folder prg001 becomes 1mov05A>> right click on the name, select rename, press home, type1 and return.  next file . . .  Doing quite a few hundred of these and its gets to be fairly quick.

So, the most obvious thing - driver update.

You mentioned the video driver.  I've checked this for other reasons and usually use the control panel/system/device manager page to do it.  The update driver response has been 'no newer one available'.  And I believed it.

Following the response suggestion I went to the ATI driver site and downloaded the check and install item.  It found a "legacy driver" and downloaded/installed it.  100mb of code.  As a comment, the system/device manager pages could do a much better and more informative job of this.  Re-booted the PC and resumed the file move and name task.

No further problems with BEX mode file copy fails (moved over 100 files), so the driver update seems to have fixed that issue.  However in 70minutes of renaming files (per example outlined) explorer failed code BEX 4 times.  The reported failing module was:

StackHash_a7aa - 3 times

StackHash_0a9e - once.

Further thoughts?  For example, the failure occurs after a lot of repetitive tasks in quick succession.  Is there any history of a memory leak?

Davidk03

Hi,

Please use the above IE troubleshooter in a thorough manner first and then

if needed use this broader general performance troubleshooter. Of course

the two troubleshooters have some methods in common.

---

Use the Clean Boot and other methods to try to determine the cause of and/or eliminate the issues.

---

References to Vista also apply to Windows 7.

What antivirus/antispyware/security products do you have on machine? Include any you have EVER

had on this machine including those you uninstalled (they leave remnants behind which can cause

strange issues).

---

Do these :

Try these to clear corruption and repair/replace damaged/missing system files.

Start - type this in Search Box ->  COMMAND   find at top and RIGHT CLICK  -  RUN AS ADMIN

Enter this at the prompt - sfc /scannow

How to Repair Windows 7 System Files with System File Checker

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

How to analyze the log file entries that the Microsoft Windows Resource Checker (SFC.exe) program

generates in Windows Vista cbs.log

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928228

Also run CheckDisk so we can rule out corruption as much as possible.

How to Run Disk Check in Windows 7

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

==========================================

After the above :

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista orWindows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Use Advanced Tools to Troubleshoot Performance Problems in Windows 7

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/6152/use-advanced-tools-to-troubleshoot-performance-problems-in-windows-7/

Problems with overall system speed and performance

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/gp/slow\_windows\_performance?p=1

How to troubleshoot performance issues in Windows Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950685

Optimizing Microsoft Windows Vista Performance

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/959062

To see all that is loading bootup - wait a few minutes without doing anything - then Right Click

TaskBar - Task Manager - take a look at Appplications - Processes - Services - this is a quick

reference (if you have a little box on Lower Left - Show for All Users then check that).

How to Change, Add, or Remove Startup Programs in Windows 7http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1401-startup-programs-change.html

A quick check to see which are loading is Method 2 there - using MSCONFIG then post a list of

those here.

---

Tools that should help :

Process Explorer - Free - Find out what files, registry keys and other objects processes have open,

which DLLs they have loaded, and more. This uniquely powerful utility will even show you who owns

each process.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

Autoruns - Free - See what programs are configured to startup automatically when your system boots

and you login. Autoruns also shows you the full list of Registry and file locations where applications can

configure auto-start settings.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

Process Monitor - Free - Monitor file system, Registry, process, thread and DLL activity in real-time.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896645.aspx

There are many excellent free tools at Sysinternals

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/default.aspx

WhatsInStartUP - Free - This utility displays the list of all applications that are loaded automatically

when Windows starts up. For each application, the following information is displayed: Startup Type (Registry/Startup Folder), Command -Line String, Product Name, File Version, Company Name,

Location in the Registry or file system, and more. It allows you to easily disable or delete unwanted

programs that runs in your Windows startup.

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/what\_run\_in\_startup.html

There are many excellent free tools at NirSoft

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/index.html

Window Watcher - Free - Do you know what's running on your computer? Maybe not. The Window

Watcher tells all, reporting every window created by every running program, whether the window

is visible or not.

http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptwinwatch.asp

Many excellent free tools and an excellent newsletter at Karenware

http://www.karenware.com/

===========================================

Consider this an absolute must - manually updating your drivers.

Vista and Windows 7 love updated drivers so here is how to update the major ones.

This is my generic how to for proper driver updates :

This utility makes it easy to see which versions are loaded :

DriverView - Free - utility displays the list of all device drivers currently loaded on your system.

For each driver in the list, additional useful information is displayed: load address of the driver,

description, version, product name, company that created the driver, and more.

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/driverview.html

For Drivers check System Maker as fallbacks and Device Maker's which are the most current.

Control Panel - Device Manager - Display Adapter - write down the make and complete model

of your video adapter - double click - Driver's tab - write down the version info. Now click UPdate

Driver (this may not do anything as MS is far behind certifying drivers) - then Right Click -

Uninstall - REBOOT this will refresh the driver stack.

Repeat that for Network - Network Card (NIC), Wifi, Sound, Mouse and Keyboard if 3rd party

with their own software and drivers and any other major device drivers you have.

Now go to System Maker's site (Dell, HP, Toshiba as examples) (as rollback) and then Device

Maker's site (Realtek, Intel, Nvidia, ATI as examples) and get their latest versions. (Look for

BIOS, Chipset and software updates at System Maker's site while there.)

Download - SAVE - go to where you put them - Right Click - RUN AD ADMIN - REBOOT after

each installation.

Always check in Device Manager - Drivers tab to be sure the version you are installing actually

shows up. This is because some drivers rollback before the latest is installed (sound drivers

particularly do this) so install a driver - reboot - check to be sure it is installed and repeat as

needed.

Repeat at Device Makers - BTW at Device Makers DO NOT RUN THEIR SCANNER - check

manually by model.

Manually look at manufacturer's sites for drivers - and Device Maker's sites.

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/driverssupport/ht/driverdlmfgr.htm

Installing and updating drivers in Windows 7 (updating drivers manually using the methods above

is preferred to ensure the latest drivers from System maker and Device makers are found)

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/43216-installing-updating-drivers-7-a.html

If you update drivers manually then it is a good idea to disable Driver Installations in Windows

Updates, this leaves Windows Updates ON however it will not install drivers which will usually be

older and cause issues. If Updates suggests a new driver then HIDE it (Right Click on it) and then

go look for new ones manually if you wish.

Stop Windows 7 from Automatically Installing Device Drivers

http://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-7/stop-windows-7-from-automatically-installing-device-drivers/

How To Disable Automatic Driver Installation In Windows 7 / Vista

http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/how-to-disable-automatic-driver-installation-in-windows-vista/

Disable Windows Update Device Driver Search Prompt In Windows 7 / Vista (for Professional,

Ultimate, and Enterprise)

http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/disable-windows-update-device-driver-search-prompt/

===========================================

Refer to these threads for many more excellent tips however be sure to check your antivirus

programs, update major drivers and BIOS, and also troubleshoot with the cleanboot method

first.

Problems with overall system speed and performance

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/slow\_windows\_performance/en-us

Performance and Maintenance tips

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7performance/thread/19e5d6c3-bf07-49ac-a2fa-6718c988f125 

Windows Explorer has stopped working

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7performance/thread/6ab02526-5071-4dcc-895f-d90202bad8b3

Hope this helps.

---

Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle <- Mark Twain said it right!

Hi,

atiumdag.dll is the ATI video driver so check with ATI Support, their

on-line documentation and drivers, and ask in their forums about any

known issues. Update the video drivers - if no newer if may be necessary

to revert back to an older stable version.

Get the Catalyst Drivers herehttp://game.amd.com/us-en/drivers\_catalyst.aspx

ATI - Forums

http://forums.amd.com/game/categories.cfm?catid=260&forumid=11

ATI - Support and Drivers

http://support.amd.com/us/Pages/AMDSupportHub.aspx

============================================

Issues that affect IE also affect Explorer, they are closely tied together. So this needs to be approached from the IE perspective **first  and then if needed a broader general approach. This trouble-shooter is for iE and the next message is for General Performance.**Often BEX errors are caused by Toolbars such as Google, TrendMicro

and others. Are you using any 3rd party toolbars in IE? Cause and fix is

same for Vista and Windows 7.

What antivirus/antispyware/security product do you have on machine?

Include any you have EVER had on this machine including those you

uninstalled (they leave remnants behind which causes issues).

Start - All Programs - Accessores - System Tools - IE with no Addons -

does this work better?

IE - Tools - Internet Options - Advanced Tab - click Restore Advanced

Settings and then click RESET - APPLY / OK

IE - Tools - Internet Options - Security Tab - click Reset all zones -

APPLY / OK

Close and restart IE and/or IE with no addons

Start - All Programs - Accessores - System Tools - IE with no Addons -

does this work better?

IE - Tools - Manage Addons (for sure disable SSV2 if it is there, this is

no longer needed but Java still installs it and it causes issues - you ever

update Java go back in and disable it again.) Look for other possible

problems.

Windows Defender - Tools - Software Explorer - look for issues with

programs that do not look right. Permitted are usually OK and "not

permitted" are not always bad. If in doubt about a program ask about

it here. (If you can't run Windows Defender use the methods in the

next link below.)

How to Change, Add, or Remove Startup Programs in Windows 7

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1401-startup-programs-change.html

Could be a BHO - SpyBHOremover - Free - standalone program, needs

no install, download, UnZip and run. Also not all BHO's are bad, some run

toolbars and features you have added.

http://securityxploded.com/bhoremover.php

Also get Malwarebytes - free - use as scanner only. If you ever suspect

malware UPDATE it and then run it as a scanner.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free

Hope this helps.

---

Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle <- Mark Twain said it right!