win explorer problem - win2k

[hairygit1]

Hi, - thanx for lookin in.

the problem is twofold.

1 - in win explorer, anytime a file is right-clicked, the window hangs and has to be closed from the taskbar. A file can be deleted using the menu toolbar, but any attempt to move, copy, cut a file leads to the window hanging with a little hourglass. Files can be opened by double-clicking.

2 - No file in the desktop, program files in startup, systray can be right clicked, or deleted, or moved. [this includes cut or paste]. If this is attempted, then ctrl-alt-del has to be applied.
THIS IS A GOOD TIP for those who don't know.
hit the processes tab - Close explorer.exe.
Hit the applications tab - then 'new task', type explorer.
All is reset. this is what has to be done for this poota at the moment if i try to tamper with desktop etc.

Files can be opened without a problem. I did find Wuxat.exe running but that was executed[the old fashioned way - with an axe]. Any other application can take right-clicks as normal, so no mouse problem there.
No other nasties are running. Have run AV, spybot, adaware.

The OS is win2k sp2.
Opera browser.
amd 1.2gig.
256ddr [pc2100]

I have tried powerdesk to see if that made a difference to the explorer shell - no it didn't.
I'm posting on other forums as well - just in case.
Thanx in advance
ANY ideas please.

 

[gordanfreeman]

well first i would suggest updating win2k from service pack 2 to service pack 4. updating OS/drivers/etc is always the first thing i do when troubleshooting something.

 

[Ytru4u]

I would agree with gordanfreeman, it is always good to up date the os/drivers. this would be a good place to start.

 

[hairygit1]

thanx for the reply.

Problem is that over the past couple of years, I have tried sp4 3 times and it resulted in an unusable machine, could barely boot up - Each time needed full reinstall
[tried reinstalling over, but no luck]

Apart from trying to commit suicide with sp4, any suggestions would be much much apprecieated.
cheers to you all