"Program not responding"

[flyted]

In brief, there are many files now that when I try to remove them, the computer freezes and the hourglass appears and sometimes the alt-ctrl-del works and sometimes I have to shut off the computer. Nothing in event viewer and all I've seen in task manager is program not responding, and I then end the task. When I right click my computer, it freezes also. Computer works great other than this issue. XP, all the updates and ran all the anti- scans. What should I try? Thanks

 

[Aberforth]

This may be due to invalid and resource hungry Shell Extensions attached to Windows Explorer, download ShellEXView http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shexview.html and remove ***unwanted*** shell extensions (backup first). Also make sure you run a anti-spyware scan - check the startup list for dodgy entries.

You can also Disable unwanted Windows Services, check here: http://techrepublic.com.com/5138-10877-5747817.html

 

[flyted]

Thanks for the response. I'm thinking both options may get me into a situation I can't get out of. Any other simpler fix's I could try first? I had a similar problem maybe a year ago and I did system resore to a couple months earlier and it worked, however my system restore now will only go back to Dec and that didn't fix it. I also just found out I can't empty the recycle bin either w/o a freeze. I've ran all the anti-programs again with no luck. If it helps, I seem to have plenty of resources as my computer always runs fast except when I try to remove something. Thanks again.

 

[flyted]

I just all the anti-programs in safe mode and got the same response. Couldn't remove any of the programs in safe mode either.

 

[Aberforth]

I had the same problem, it was because of Shell Extensions (dorky items that sit in your explorer context menu like Winzip etc). I used Shellexview to disable few of them and it worked.

 

[flyted]

Ok, I installed the SShellexview. What am I looking for now?

 

[Aberforth]

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/slowrightclick.htm
http://www.jsifaq.com/SF/Tips/Tip.aspx?id=9667

All you have to do is disable unwanted 3rd party extensions

 

[flyted]

Problem fixed! Thanks a million for your help. It was a shell for a file shredder, the first one I disabled that fixed everything. All the problems are gone and I deleted every file that I wanted to. Great job.