Windows Explorer crashes when I load it. Even in safe mode.

[lefrenzy]

What is the number one cause to make Windows Explorer crash when you load it, even in safe mode?

I did upgrade to the evil IE7, but that was over a month ago.

I just need this stupid laptop to run so I can backup all the data onto an external hard-drive before I take it to the store for its warranty.

It's an emachines M6805.

Videocard is unstable, and battery only has half its normal life (1hr instead of 2hrs). Problems with screen flickering too.

[tokenuser]

What is the number one cause to make Windows Explorer crash when you load it, even in safe mode?

I did upgrade to the evil IE7, but that was over a month ago.

I just need this stupid laptop to run so I can backup all the data onto an external hard-drive before I take it to the store for its warranty.

It's an emachines M6805.

Videocard is unstable, and battery only has half its normal life (1hr instead of 2hrs). Problems with screen flickering too.If you have access to another (desktop) computer, I have a suggestion I have used in the past ...

1. Grab a 2.5" to 3.5" adapter like this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/2-5-to-3-5-Laptop-IDE-HARD-DRIVE-Adapter-Ship-Free_W0QQitemZ220045243790QQcmdZViewItem)
2. Remove the laptop HDD.
3. Plug HDD into adpater.
4. Plug drive /w adapter into a standard IDE cable on a desktop computer.
5. Access the drive locally on the PC, and copy to another harddrive (internal or external).
6. Put the drive back into the laptop and ship in for service.

[lefrenzy]

any other advices from anybody else?

[alexsk8ca]

Could you possibly boot into a linux live cd and from there back up everything to usb storage?

[noonebutme]

reinstall windows and see if the problem stays?

[lefrenzy]

I managed to run for a full hd scan to check for viruses, and also Ad-Aware to check for spyware.

The problem persisted. It seems that loading "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" continues to crash explorer.exe, but if I do RUN>C:, then I can use a few folders until it crashes again.

I was able to "share" the folders I wanted to backup, and I put those on another computer at home.

I still need to backup all the emails from thunderbird, and I have yet been able to do so. Everything else is backed-up on another external HD. Original copy of important stuff i wanted to keep on the laptop is all deleted. Right now C drive is using 12GB out of 60GB.

Once I get those emails out, I can finally run the recovery disk, and take the laptop to BestBuy, and let them take care of the screen flicker, the videocard, and the crappy battery.

[lefrenzy]

emails are backed up, thank god!

I can finally take it to the store, yes.