I don't know enough about computers to be able to give you much information. Here are the problems:
1. When I start my computer in normal (non-Safe) mode, it starts fine and remains operable for about 2 minutes, after which it then stops responding to inputs. Windows hang and I get the glowing circle for long stretches.
2. When I start my computer in normal mode, I immediately sort my desktop by Type. The next time I start my computer in normal mode, the sort is not saved and icons are once again strewn all over the desktop. Somehow the state isn't saved from one boot to the next.
3. I have received error messages involving Windows Explorer. I don't remember exactly what the messages are, though; these are infrequent and erratic.
4. When I start my computer in Safe Mode with Networking, everything works just fine. Windows respond normally and nothing takes too long except:
When I open a folder with pictures in it (19 items in the folder, all pictures), 2 of the thumbnails are rendered and the rest are Windows Live Picture Gallery icons with the correct file names underneath each one. After I open this folder, the computer becomes completely inoperable and freezes, i.e. the Task Manager cannot be started, the Start button doesn't work, etc. This same thing happens whenever I open a folder with pictures in it: some of the thumbnails are rendered properly, most are the Picture Gallery icon, and my computer freezes.
At this point, I have to stop my computer by unplugging it and popping my battery. I'm not sure what else to do. I ran a disk check and it corrected a few things but none of the problems are solved. I ran an event log and I get atapi error 11 notices and nothing else. I ran Malwarebytes and it detected a few things and deleted them (Babylon, adware, etc.) but nothing has changed. I'm running Kaspersky anti-virus and it doesn't detect anything (that I have found).
I am a member of Amazon Discussion Forums and I'm now appearing under 'Amazon Customer' rather than my usual screen name. This started happening exactly the same time all this other stuff began happening so I assume it's all related.
I think it might be related to Windows Explorer but that's just a guess.
I don't know how to start troubleshooting and I don't know enough to begin the process of elimination. I'd appreciate any help if at all possible.
Thanks in advance!
1. When I start my computer in normal (non-Safe) mode, it starts fine and remains operable for about 2 minutes, after which it then stops responding to inputs. Windows hang and I get the glowing circle for long stretches.
2. When I start my computer in normal mode, I immediately sort my desktop by Type. The next time I start my computer in normal mode, the sort is not saved and icons are once again strewn all over the desktop. Somehow the state isn't saved from one boot to the next.
3. I have received error messages involving Windows Explorer. I don't remember exactly what the messages are, though; these are infrequent and erratic.
4. When I start my computer in Safe Mode with Networking, everything works just fine. Windows respond normally and nothing takes too long except:
When I open a folder with pictures in it (19 items in the folder, all pictures), 2 of the thumbnails are rendered and the rest are Windows Live Picture Gallery icons with the correct file names underneath each one. After I open this folder, the computer becomes completely inoperable and freezes, i.e. the Task Manager cannot be started, the Start button doesn't work, etc. This same thing happens whenever I open a folder with pictures in it: some of the thumbnails are rendered properly, most are the Picture Gallery icon, and my computer freezes.
At this point, I have to stop my computer by unplugging it and popping my battery. I'm not sure what else to do. I ran a disk check and it corrected a few things but none of the problems are solved. I ran an event log and I get atapi error 11 notices and nothing else. I ran Malwarebytes and it detected a few things and deleted them (Babylon, adware, etc.) but nothing has changed. I'm running Kaspersky anti-virus and it doesn't detect anything (that I have found).
I am a member of Amazon Discussion Forums and I'm now appearing under 'Amazon Customer' rather than my usual screen name. This started happening exactly the same time all this other stuff began happening so I assume it's all related.
I think it might be related to Windows Explorer but that's just a guess.
I don't know how to start troubleshooting and I don't know enough to begin the process of elimination. I'd appreciate any help if at all possible.
Thanks in advance!