Odd Windows Explorer Hang Issue, HDD?

[EXCellR8]

I am having a problem on my computer whenever I use explorer. A lot of the icons don't show up at all and the progress bar at the top of the window slowly goes across. The little busy cursor keeps going round and round and eventually explorer stops responding.

I tried purging the thumbnail cache but the problem persists. Is it some kind of bug or indexing issue? The only other thing I can think of is this message that COM Surrogate stopped working. Not sure where that comes from but it happens every time I am on the desktop.

What is going on here?

 

[VirtualLarry]

Firstly, I would scan for malware. Alternatively, use the HDD mfg's boot disc to check your HDD, or download HDTune and check the SMART status. Your errors could be caused by a failing HDD or SSD. Check Event Viewer too, for DISK errors and timeouts.

 

[Auric]

If the manufacturer's test passes then run chkdsk.

 

[VirtualLarry]

If the manufacturer's test passes then run chkdsk.

When you want to really screw up an already screwed-up system, run chkdsk.

I wouldn't run chkdsk, until you do a sector-by-sector image backup. That is, if you have anything on your system that you care about losing. Chkdsk is ruthless to user data files.

 

[EXCellR8]

EDIT: Moved several files to quarantine, malware. After restarting the machine the problem persisted though. HDTune didn't find any errors on the drive. It's gotta be a Windows issue, because when I go to look at my pictures on this drive there are no thumbnails/icons/previews at all, just the title of the file is visible.

Avast found a couple of infected files on the disk. I think I may have a pro version of HDtune kicking around somewhere; didn't even think of that. I'll post back with the results. Thanks.

 

[corkyg]

Moving some malware to quarantine does not change their entries in the Registry. After backing up the drive, I would run CCleaner on the Registry followed by a reboot.

 

[Auric]

When you want to really screw up an already screwed-up system, run chkdsk.

I wouldn't run chkdsk, until you do a sector-by-sector image backup. That is, if you have anything on your system that you care about losing. Chkdsk is ruthless to user data files.

Running sans fix options will either confirm or rule out file system errors at no risk.

 

[EXCellR8]

Well I was still having issues with this, but then I stumbled upon some information on certain software I had (intentionally) installed on the machine. It was affecting all of my drives and was making it impossible to use the computer. I never suspected a virus due to the symptoms but it turns out that my backup software was the culprit.

Once I uninstalled the software and restarted my system the problem went away, but I will need to confirm if it stays away or if anything was left behind.

 

[corkyg]

It wouls possibly be useful to others to know what that software was so they can avoid it.

 

[EXCellR8]

It wouls possibly be useful to others to know what that software was so they can avoid it.

Good point, but the software that was causing the issue is a very reputable disk imaging suite, Acronis True Image 2013. Maybe because it was an older version I was encountering issues, but I guess the best course of action is to submit the problem to the developers--or just try a newer version.

Ever since I uninstalled it, I haven't had any issues. I used the software somewhat frequently though, and never ran into problems before.

 

[corkyg]

TrueImage has entries in MSCONFIG/STARTUP regarding auto backup and other stuff. Unchecking those boxes may solve that issue.