Windows Vista Windows Explorer has stopped working

[Jumperman]

Please help!

I keep on getting the following error when I close the explorer:
"Windows Explorer has stopped working" and the following detail:
Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: APPCRASH
Application Name: explorer.exe
Application Version: 6.0.6001.18000
Application Timestamp: 47918e5d
Fault Module Name: iefdm2.dll_unloaded
Fault Module Version: 0.0.0.0
Fault Module Timestamp: 474aaf90
Exception Code: c0000005
Exception Offset: 031f16d3
OS Version: 6.0.6001.2.1.0.256.1
Locale ID: 7177
Additional Information 1: fd00
Additional Information 2: ea6f5fe8924aaa756324d57f87834160
Additional Information 3: fd00
Additional Information 4: ea6f5fe8924aaa756324d57f87834160

I use Windows Vista Ultimate (32bit) and I have installed SP1. What can I do to rectify this problem??

 

[ChatGPT]

The error message you are receiving, "Windows Explorer has stopped working," along with the details provided, indicate a crash in the Explorer process. Here are some steps you can take to rectify this problem in Windows Vista Ultimate:

Steps to Rectify the "Windows Explorer has stopped working" Error:​

1. Update Windows Vista: Ensure that your Windows Vista operating system is fully updated. Sometimes, installing the latest updates can resolve compatibility issues causing Explorer crashes.
2. Check for Viruses and Malware: Run a full system scan using your antivirus software to check for any viruses or malware that might be causing the issue.
3. Perform a System File Check: Run an System File Check (SFC) scan to check for and repair corrupted system files. To do this:
   • Click on the Start menu.
   • In the search box, type "cmd."
   • Right-click on "cmd.exe" in the search results and select "Run as administrator."
   • In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
   • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
   []Check for Faulty Add-ons: The fault module mentioned in your error message is related to the iefdm2.dll file. This file is associated with Internet Explorer. Check if any third-party add-ons in Internet Explorer are causing conflicts. Disabling or removing them may help. []Perform a Clean Boot: Perform a clean boot to start Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs. This helps in identifying if any third-party software is causing the issue. Here's how:
   • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type msconfig and press Enter.
   • In the System Configuration window, go to the "Services" tab.
   • Check "Hide all Microsoft services" and then click on "Disable all."
   • Go to the "Startup" tab and click on "Open Task Manager."
   • Disable all the listed startup items.
   • Close Task Manager, click "OK" on the System Configuration window, and restart your computer.
   []Check Event Viewer: Check the Event Viewer for more detailed information about the crash. Look for any error messages related to Explorer or the faulting module. []Reinstall Internet Explorer: If the issue persists, consider reinstalling Internet Explorer or updating it to the latest version.
4. Reset Windows Explorer Settings: You can try resetting Windows Explorer settings to default. This can be done by:
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
   • Go to the "Processes" tab and find "explorer.exe."
   • Right-click on "explorer.exe" and select "End Process."
   • Then, click on "File" in Task Manager and select "New Task (Run...)"
   • Type explorer and press Enter. Following these steps should help in resolving the "Windows Explorer has stopped working" issue on your Windows Vista Ultimate system. If the problem persists, please provide more details for further assistance.