FIX: Windows Explorer has stopped working error in Windows 7, Vista, and XP

After reading this article you will be able to solve the Windows explorer error that says “Windows Explorer has stopped working, Windows is restarting “. There might be a number of causes for this error, some of the main reasons include:

• Corruption in system files
• Malware / Spyware or any related malicious software
• Outdated / corrupted video ( display ) drivers
• Problem with a specific application

To solve this error follow the steps given below (one by one):

• Check your system Files
  • To check your system files, go to run ( start menu -> type run)
  • Type SFC /SCANNOW in the run box.
  • Make sure you are running the above said command as administrator.

   

• Use System Restore
  • To use system restore Follow this guide (Click Here)
• Updating your Video ( Display Drivers )
  • Run Windows Update by typing Windows Update in the start menu search box & pressing Enter.
  • Select the hardware (graphics) driver from the optional updates section.
  • OR
  • You can visit the support site of your Graphic /Display Manufacturer & download the drivers from there.

     

• Scan your computer with a good antivirus / antimalware program
  • Get a good Antivirus / Antispyware / Antimalware program (Microsoft Security Essentials is recommended)

• Check faulty programs
  • If the problem began after installing a specific program, make sure the installed program is compatible with the Windows version that you are installing it with.
  • Check for such program’s startup record.
    • Go to run (Winkey + R) & type msconfig
    • Go to startup tab, check for unnecessary programs, but do not uncheck any boxes unless you are absolutely sure about an entry therein.

       

• Using Clean boot
  • Follow this guide for using Clean Boot

• Testing Memory (RAM for problems) (Windows Memory Diagnostics)
  
  • Windows Memory diagnostics is a tool built into Windows 7 & Vista to check your Memory Modules for problems.
    
  • To use Windows Memory Diagnostics -> Go to Control Panel -> Classic View ( small icons )
    
  • Windows Memory Diagnostics
    
  • This will check your RAM for errors and report them the next time you start Windows.
    
• Using Safe Mode
  
  • One of the best ways to troubleshoot Windows is using safe mode. While starting Windows in safe mode you exclude / restrict all the unnecessary programs and services from starting & Windows is loaded with only default and necessary set of drivers and services.
    
  • If the problem is with a program that you might have installed, Windows should boot normally into safe mode without any errors.