> so, this only happens to your c:\windows dir, and its files?
doesn't happen on your desktop or anywhere else?
open c:\windows using cmd.exe
cd c:
cd windows
dir
if that works instantly, then the problem is definitely with explorer.exe
try replicating the problem with all your network interfaces disabled.
---
> run filemon and regmon from sysinternals.
they may help you figure out why explorer.exe is freezing. they have before in the past, for me.
> It might be a buggy shell extension.
http://www.google.com/search?&q=ShellExView
use that to enable/disable any extra shell extensions you've had installed.
> Some important windows files may have been modified. Run "sfc /scannow" from cmd.exe.
> check the signatures of all your system files using sigverif (start it from run dialog).
> log on as a new or different user. Did the problems go away?
