Windows Explorer often freezes when moving files with mouse

hjpatten · 05 Jan 2020

[Please do not skip the elementary checks in my post #4 - just in case. No point in trying to fix files if there are more basic problems- that's building a house on sand.]

I have completed all the checks, sfc reports no errors, DISM says all OK. But the error persists - if I try to move a file from folder to (say) the desktop using the mouse, Explorer freezes and I have to restart it. Now seeing if I can find the appropriate .iso or .wim file .

dalchina · 05 Jan 2020

Thanks. Please create a new user for test purposes, log in as that user, and see if the same thing happens. If it does not, there's no point doing an in-place upgrade repair install.

If it doesn't, then log in as the original user and try a clean boot (Google if unsure how).

hjpatten · 05 Jan 2020

I believe my issue may be resolved. I ran DISM now pointing to install.esd and since it did not report an error I presume my reference to it was correct. After rebooting and switching to a new user all appeared normal. However, there is one folder which still causes Explorer to freeze. I think this folder is itself corrupted - probably manages to point to itself and so loops. I have a recent "good" backup of this folder so have simply deleted the corrupted version. I will report any re-occurrence of the problem. Anyway, my huge thanks to all of you who have made helpful suggestions - on a Sunday too! What a great forum this is ...

dalchina · 05 Jan 2020

Sounds better- make sure you've run chkdsk on any other disks and partitions too.

After rebooting and switching to a new user all appeared normal.

That tends to suggest there may be something running when logged in as your original user that is causing problems. Startups will probably be fewer under the new user account.

P.S. we get double rates on Sunday - that's double nothing of course.

Caledon Ken · 05 Jan 2020

Strange you have not been offered an update to at least 1903.

If you "Check for updates" what does it report? Click Start > Settings > Update and Security

If you check update history are you getting any failures?

hjpatten · 06 Jan 2020

The system has been quietly updating Win 1809 (last update 29/12/19), but hasn't asked me to go to 1909 . I have now started the update to 1909 and will look at the update settings later.

f14tomcat · 06 Jan 2020

hjpatten said:

The system has been quietly updating Win 1809 (last update 29/12/19), but hasn't asked me to go to 1909 . I have now started the update to 1909 and will look at the update settings later.

Curious since you haven't been offered 1909 (or 1903 for that matter) how you are doing this. Are you using MCT? Update Assistant? Other? Thanks.

hjpatten · 06 Jan 2020

[Curious since you haven't been offered 1909 (or 1903 for that matter) how you are doing this. Are you using MCT? Update Assistant? Other? Thanks.]

I didn't need to do more than click on Windows update - anyway I now have Win 10 1909 18363.535 and am hoping the curious freeze problem won't recur. Thanks to all, once more.

Compumind · 06 Jan 2020

@hjpatten -

I have a similar problem on a daily basis and it has been elusive to diagnose, even using Sysinternals.
It can happen anywhere while moving around on the desktop.

Question:

I'm using a Dell XPS-8930 SE right now.

Do you have this?

https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop...pc-accessories

Let me know, thanks.

hjpatten · 07 Jan 2020

I bought my XPS 8930 in December 2017 - on the invoice it is described as item number 210-ANMU XPS 8930 Base. My keyboard and mouse are a Logitech K750 & Logitech M510 - both wireless - so no I don't have your Dell Keyboard and mouse . But I do suspect that the problem was somehow related to the Logitech kit.

For the moment at least my problem has gone away since I upgraded to Win 10 1909, but since I definitely had some corrupted system files before the upgrade it may be that the upgrade restored or replaced those files.

Windows Explorer often freezes when moving files with mouse

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