Windows Explorer keeps grinding down to molasses speed?!

Running ONLY Windows Explorer on Win98FE

Scenario: I'm looking for a specific group of several pictures. I
have 50 folders with 01.jpg throu 09.jpg in each. Since it is not
possible to search by name, only pictorial content, I go to each
folder and look at the first two or three to see if this is where
they're at. Ok, so far.

After each folder, Windows Explorer keeps getting slower. Refresh
doesn't help. Closing WE and reopening doesn't help, only rebooting
takes WE back to the original speeds.

To get through this process, I keep limping along, until WE takes over
20 seconds to list the 11 files in a folder!! Then I reboot and we're
back to zip, zip. until after looking thru a few folders and I'm back
to 20-30 seconds to list the contents.

What's happening here? Is there any way to 'refresh' the situation
without having to do a reboot?

On 12/08/2009 09:00 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:
Running ONLY Windows Explorer on Win98FE

Scenario: I'm looking for a specific group of several pictures. I
have 50 folders with 01.jpg throu 09.jpg in each. Since it is not
possible to search by name, only pictorial content, I go to each
folder and look at the first two or three to see if this is where
they're at. Ok, so far.

After each folder, Windows Explorer keeps getting slower. Refresh
doesn't help. Closing WE and reopening doesn't help, only rebooting
takes WE back to the original speeds.

To get through this process, I keep limping along, until WE takes over
20 seconds to list the 11 files in a folder!! Then I reboot and we're
back to zip, zip. until after looking thru a few folders and I'm back
to 20-30 seconds to list the contents.

What's happening here? Is there any way to 'refresh' the situation
without having to do a reboot?


Just a question for definitive help, this is the machine with IE6
installed in Win98FE right?

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networking
http://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---

On 12/08/2009 09:00 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:
Running ONLY Windows Explorer on Win98FE

Scenario: I'm looking for a specific group of several pictures. I
have 50 folders with 01.jpg throu 09.jpg in each. Since it is not
possible to search by name, only pictorial content, I go to each
folder and look at the first two or three to see if this is where
they're at. Ok, so far.

After each folder, Windows Explorer keeps getting slower. Refresh
doesn't help. Closing WE and reopening doesn't help, only rebooting
takes WE back to the original speeds.

To get through this process, I keep limping along, until WE takes over
20 seconds to list the 11 files in a folder!! Then I reboot and we're
back to zip, zip. until after looking thru a few folders and I'm back
to 20-30 seconds to list the contents.

What's happening here? Is there any way to 'refresh' the situation
without having to do a reboot?


Just a question for definitive help, this is the machine with IE6
installed in Win98FE right?

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networking
http://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---

On Dec 8, 6:20*pm, MEB wrote:
On 12/08/2009 09:00 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:





Running ONLY Windows Explorer on Win98FE

Scenario: I'm looking for a specific group of several pictures. *I
have 50 folders with 01.jpg throu 09.jpg in each. *Since it is not
possible to search by name, only pictorial content, I go to each
folder and look at the first two or three to see if this is where
they're at. *Ok, so far.

After each folder, Windows Explorer keeps getting slower. Refresh
doesn't help. *Closing WE and reopening doesn't help, only rebooting
takes WE back to the original speeds.

To get through this process, I keep limping along, until WE takes over
20 seconds to list the 11 files in a folder!! *Then I reboot and we're
back to zip, zip. *until after looking thru a few folders and I'm back
to 20-30 seconds to list the contents.

What's happening here? *Is there any way to 'refresh' the situation
without having to do a reboot?

*Just a question for definitive help, this is the machine with IE6
installed in Win98FE right?

--
MEBhttp://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networkinghttp://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---

Yes, but it is not used. just installed.

On Dec 8, 6:20*pm, MEB wrote:
On 12/08/2009 09:00 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:





Running ONLY Windows Explorer on Win98FE

Scenario: I'm looking for a specific group of several pictures. *I
have 50 folders with 01.jpg throu 09.jpg in each. *Since it is not
possible to search by name, only pictorial content, I go to each
folder and look at the first two or three to see if this is where
they're at. *Ok, so far.

After each folder, Windows Explorer keeps getting slower. Refresh
doesn't help. *Closing WE and reopening doesn't help, only rebooting
takes WE back to the original speeds.

To get through this process, I keep limping along, until WE takes over
20 seconds to list the 11 files in a folder!! *Then I reboot and we're
back to zip, zip. *until after looking thru a few folders and I'm back
to 20-30 seconds to list the contents.

What's happening here? *Is there any way to 'refresh' the situation
without having to do a reboot?

*Just a question for definitive help, this is the machine with IE6
installed in Win98FE right?

--
MEBhttp://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networkinghttp://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---

Yes, but it is not used. just installed.

On 12/08/2009 09:42 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:
On Dec 8, 6:20 pm, MEB wrote:
On 12/08/2009 09:00 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:





Running ONLY Windows Explorer on Win98FE

Scenario: I'm looking for a specific group of several pictures. I
have 50 folders with 01.jpg throu 09.jpg in each. Since it is not
possible to search by name, only pictorial content, I go to each
folder and look at the first two or three to see if this is where
they're at. Ok, so far.

After each folder, Windows Explorer keeps getting slower. Refresh
doesn't help. Closing WE and reopening doesn't help, only rebooting
takes WE back to the original speeds.

To get through this process, I keep limping along, until WE takes over
20 seconds to list the 11 files in a folder!! Then I reboot and we're
back to zip, zip. until after looking thru a few folders and I'm back
to 20-30 seconds to list the contents.

What's happening here? Is there any way to 'refresh' the situation
without having to do a reboot?

Just a question for definitive help, this is the machine with IE6
installed in Win98FE right?

--
MEB

Yes, but it is not used. just installed.

AH sorry, yes IE6 files are being used. Its browser DLLs are used by
Explorer... and several other key system file changes were done within
the system when it was installed.

Its similar to your previous floppy disk refresh problems and related.

--- The warning - modifying the registry can cause issues make sure you
back it up before modifying it.

Folder refresh can be modified by addressing registry keys, one of
which I previously posted to you {the one you never supplied the value for}.
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update
UpdateMode
Binary 00 or
DWord 0 [FE if I remember correctly]
---

Another can be the icon issue, and the refresh of those when accessing
folders. Common answer was to delete the iconcache [hidden] and let it
rebuild.
Go to Control Panel, Display, Appearance Tab. Select Icon from the item
drop down list. Change the size up or down one and apply. Change the
size back to your original and apply.

Part of it could be addressed via another registry modification:
Run Regedit - Go to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\explorer

Create a new string or modify called
Max Cached Icons
Modify to
4096 [though it can be 2048, 4096, or even 8192]

This will increase response time in windows and give the Shellicon
cache file more elbow room.

For icon cache increase reference:

http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/lo...php?t5049.html

---

Yet another fix is/was to replace the browser DLLs with the ones from
IE5.5 but then that still left those other system file changes which
cause(d) problems, and relates more directly to the file manipulation
issues, but is also related.

---

None of these actually addressed all the issues, we all just got used
to the other issues after IE6 installation in 9X, for the most part...

---

Then the inevitable check for malware was always a good suggestion.

---

AND; IF it was part of a network {which I think you said it wasn't} then
the network disk/folder refresh could be tweaked and a check for some
necessary files. And mapped drives/disks being removed.

---

So how about an old response from 2005 for a similar issue:

I don't know the answer for sure. Here are some possibilities:

"Opening a Folder Takes a Long Time"

http://support.microsoft.com/support.../q153/1/14.asp

{MEB- updated to: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/153114}

This one stands a good chance of pointing to the problem if you can
narrow it to certain folders -- like the one mentioned (your MP3
folder). However, if the problem exists for *all* folders that are four
deep, this isn't likely to be it.

"Computer Speed and Performance May Decrease"

http://support.microsoft.com/support.../q259/1/61.asp

{MEB- updated to: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/259161}

Less likely to be the cause in your case, because it is a more vague
problem -- yours is fairly specific.

--
Jim Eshelman - MS-MVP (DTS)

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networking
http://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---

On 12/08/2009 09:42 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:
On Dec 8, 6:20 pm, MEB wrote:
On 12/08/2009 09:00 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:





Running ONLY Windows Explorer on Win98FE

Scenario: I'm looking for a specific group of several pictures. I
have 50 folders with 01.jpg throu 09.jpg in each. Since it is not
possible to search by name, only pictorial content, I go to each
folder and look at the first two or three to see if this is where
they're at. Ok, so far.

After each folder, Windows Explorer keeps getting slower. Refresh
doesn't help. Closing WE and reopening doesn't help, only rebooting
takes WE back to the original speeds.

To get through this process, I keep limping along, until WE takes over
20 seconds to list the 11 files in a folder!! Then I reboot and we're
back to zip, zip. until after looking thru a few folders and I'm back
to 20-30 seconds to list the contents.

What's happening here? Is there any way to 'refresh' the situation
without having to do a reboot?

Just a question for definitive help, this is the machine with IE6
installed in Win98FE right?

--
MEB

Yes, but it is not used. just installed.

AH sorry, yes IE6 files are being used. Its browser DLLs are used by
Explorer... and several other key system file changes were done within
the system when it was installed.

Its similar to your previous floppy disk refresh problems and related.

--- The warning - modifying the registry can cause issues make sure you
back it up before modifying it.

Folder refresh can be modified by addressing registry keys, one of
which I previously posted to you {the one you never supplied the value for}.
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update
UpdateMode
Binary 00 or
DWord 0 [FE if I remember correctly]
---

Another can be the icon issue, and the refresh of those when accessing
folders. Common answer was to delete the iconcache [hidden] and let it
rebuild.
Go to Control Panel, Display, Appearance Tab. Select Icon from the item
drop down list. Change the size up or down one and apply. Change the
size back to your original and apply.

Part of it could be addressed via another registry modification:
Run Regedit - Go to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\explorer

Create a new string or modify called
Max Cached Icons
Modify to
4096 [though it can be 2048, 4096, or even 8192]

This will increase response time in windows and give the Shellicon
cache file more elbow room.

For icon cache increase reference:

http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/lo...php?t5049.html

---

Yet another fix is/was to replace the browser DLLs with the ones from
IE5.5 but then that still left those other system file changes which
cause(d) problems, and relates more directly to the file manipulation
issues, but is also related.

---

None of these actually addressed all the issues, we all just got used
to the other issues after IE6 installation in 9X, for the most part...

---

Then the inevitable check for malware was always a good suggestion.

---

AND; IF it was part of a network {which I think you said it wasn't} then
the network disk/folder refresh could be tweaked and a check for some
necessary files. And mapped drives/disks being removed.

---

So how about an old response from 2005 for a similar issue:

I don't know the answer for sure. Here are some possibilities:

"Opening a Folder Takes a Long Time"

http://support.microsoft.com/support.../q153/1/14.asp

{MEB- updated to: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/153114}

This one stands a good chance of pointing to the problem if you can
narrow it to certain folders -- like the one mentioned (your MP3
folder). However, if the problem exists for *all* folders that are four
deep, this isn't likely to be it.

"Computer Speed and Performance May Decrease"

http://support.microsoft.com/support.../q259/1/61.asp

{MEB- updated to: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/259161}

Less likely to be the cause in your case, because it is a more vague
problem -- yours is fairly specific.

--
Jim Eshelman - MS-MVP (DTS)

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networking
http://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---

MEB wrote:
On 12/08/2009 09:42 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:
On Dec 8, 6:20 pm, MEB wrote:
On 12/08/2009 09:00 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:

Running ONLY Windows Explorer on Win98FE

Scenario: I'm looking for a specific group of several pictures. I
have 50 folders with 01.jpg throu 09.jpg in each. Since it is not
possible to search by name, only pictorial content, I go to each
folder and look at the first two or three to see if this is where
they're at. Ok, so far.

After each folder, Windows Explorer keeps getting slower. Refresh
doesn't help. Closing WE and reopening doesn't help, only rebooting
takes WE back to the original speeds.

To get through this process, I keep limping along, until WE takes over
20 seconds to list the 11 files in a folder!! Then I reboot and we're
back to zip, zip. until after looking thru a few folders and I'm back
to 20-30 seconds to list the contents.

What's happening here? Is there any way to 'refresh' the situation
without having to do a reboot?

Just a question for definitive help, this is the machine with IE6
installed in Win98FE right?

--
MEB

Yes, but it is not used. just installed.

AH sorry, yes IE6 files are being used. Its browser DLLs are used by
Explorer... and several other key system file changes were done within
the system when it was installed.

True enough. :-)

snip

Yet another fix is/was to replace the browser DLLs with the ones from
IE5.5 but then that still left those other system file changes which
cause(d) problems, and relates more directly to the file manipulation
issues, but is also related.

Just FYI:
This specific one above was for the "deleting a large number of files in
explorer causes explorer to hang" problem with IE6. (And perhaps copying a
large number of them, too - can't recall if that was also in there). I did
the switch of those 2 browse files and that resolved that specific issue,
but I doubt if that is his issue, as stated (where just looking in the
folders causes the hang he is seeing).

MEB wrote:
On 12/08/2009 09:42 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:
On Dec 8, 6:20 pm, MEB wrote:
On 12/08/2009 09:00 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:

Running ONLY Windows Explorer on Win98FE

Scenario: I'm looking for a specific group of several pictures. I
have 50 folders with 01.jpg throu 09.jpg in each. Since it is not
possible to search by name, only pictorial content, I go to each
folder and look at the first two or three to see if this is where
they're at. Ok, so far.

After each folder, Windows Explorer keeps getting slower. Refresh
doesn't help. Closing WE and reopening doesn't help, only rebooting
takes WE back to the original speeds.

To get through this process, I keep limping along, until WE takes over
20 seconds to list the 11 files in a folder!! Then I reboot and we're
back to zip, zip. until after looking thru a few folders and I'm back
to 20-30 seconds to list the contents.

What's happening here? Is there any way to 'refresh' the situation
without having to do a reboot?

Just a question for definitive help, this is the machine with IE6
installed in Win98FE right?

--
MEB

Yes, but it is not used. just installed.

AH sorry, yes IE6 files are being used. Its browser DLLs are used by
Explorer... and several other key system file changes were done within
the system when it was installed.

True enough. :-)

snip

Yet another fix is/was to replace the browser DLLs with the ones from
IE5.5 but then that still left those other system file changes which
cause(d) problems, and relates more directly to the file manipulation
issues, but is also related.

Just FYI:
This specific one above was for the "deleting a large number of files in
explorer causes explorer to hang" problem with IE6. (And perhaps copying a
large number of them, too - can't recall if that was also in there). I did
the switch of those 2 browse files and that resolved that specific issue,
but I doubt if that is his issue, as stated (where just looking in the
folders causes the hang he is seeing).

On 12/09/2009 12:28 AM, Bill in Co. wrote:
MEB wrote:
On 12/08/2009 09:42 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:
On Dec 8, 6:20 pm, MEB wrote:
On 12/08/2009 09:00 PM, Robert A. Macy wrote:

Running ONLY Windows Explorer on Win98FE

Scenario: I'm looking for a specific group of several pictures. I
have 50 folders with 01.jpg throu 09.jpg in each. Since it is not
possible to search by name, only pictorial content, I go to each
folder and look at the first two or three to see if this is where
they're at. Ok, so far.

After each folder, Windows Explorer keeps getting slower. Refresh
doesn't help. Closing WE and reopening doesn't help, only rebooting
takes WE back to the original speeds.

To get through this process, I keep limping along, until WE takes over
20 seconds to list the 11 files in a folder!! Then I reboot and we're
back to zip, zip. until after looking thru a few folders and I'm back
to 20-30 seconds to list the contents.

What's happening here? Is there any way to 'refresh' the situation
without having to do a reboot?

Just a question for definitive help, this is the machine with IE6
installed in Win98FE right?

--
MEB

Yes, but it is not used. just installed.

AH sorry, yes IE6 files are being used. Its browser DLLs are used by
Explorer... and several other key system file changes were done within
the system when it was installed.

True enough. :-)

snip

Yet another fix is/was to replace the browser DLLs with the ones from
IE5.5 but then that still left those other system file changes which
cause(d) problems, and relates more directly to the file manipulation
issues, but is also related.

Just FYI:
This specific one above was for the "deleting a large number of files in
explorer causes explorer to hang" problem with IE6. (And perhaps copying a
large number of them, too - can't recall if that was also in there). I did
the switch of those 2 browse files and that resolved that specific issue,
but I doubt if that is his issue, as stated (where just looking in the
folders causes the hang he is seeing).



Yeah, and we [the group] even did a test of the shell32 replacement
[and a couple others in that discussion] to deal with the issue in a
different fashion so re-installing the 5.5 DLLs didn't bring the old
vulnerabilities back in. I mentioned it more for another indication of
the IE6 installation issues [though some of the issues actually began
with IE4].
Interesting to see there are still issues with IE 7 & and 8 affecting
the systems...

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
Windows Info, Diagnostics, Security, Networking
http://peoplescounsel.org
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and Government
___---