Problems With Explorer.exe

Explorer.exe, popularly known as Windows Explorer, is a Windows process used by all versions of the Windows operating system. Its basic function is to browse files and folders, but it is a regular target for malware ("malicious software") and can have other known problems associated with it.

Performance

If you are running an older version of Microsoft Windows XP Professional or XP Home--prior to Service Pack 1--you may find that explorer.exe causes your system to run very slowly, because the process uses more CPU (central processing unit) cycles than necessary. The problem can be corrected by downloading the latest service pack.

Norton Cleansweep

If you upgrade your computer to Windows XP from an earlier version of Windows with the Norton Cleansweep utility installed, you may see a blank desktop and the error message "Explorer.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows." This problem can be solved by uninstalling the Norton software.

Windows 7 & Vista

Explorer.exe can crash under Windows 7 or Vista for a variety of reasons, including viruses and spyware or disk errors. Running a comprehensive virus scan and the Windows utility "chkdsk" are good places to start.

References

• Pareto Logic: What Is explorer.exe?
• Microsoft Support: Explorer.exe Process Uses Many CPU Cycles When Windows Is Idle
• Microsoft Support: You Receive an "Explorer.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows" Error Message