Why does my computer freeze when I try to open this one specific folder?

Question

Recently, I tried accessing one of my folders to browse for a file I needed, but whenever I tried to access it, my computer would lock up and freeze. I would then have to turn off my computer to get it to stop.

So, I thought: virus? corrupted file?

Ran a virus scan, no virus. I searched for some info and found that it could be a corrupted file. I don't really know, so that's why I came here.

It only does it with this one folder, nothing else. I would like to keep the unaffected files, but I decided to try and delete the stupid thing if it's causing problems.

It wouldn't let me delete it. It froze when I tried.

I have a couple questions:
1. What the...?
2. Is there a way to get rid of this? Maybe even just get rid of the bad file(s) so I can keep the unaffected ones?
3. Should I try messing around with it in safe mode?

Specs:
Windows XP Pro
AMD Athlon XP 2000+
1.66 GHz, 512 MB RAM

Answer 1

Start-Run-Cmd



type -> chkdsk /f



reboot, and the checkdisk should start

Answer 2

I personally think that what you have is a case of corrupted directory file system affecting the root of the folder that you are trying to access. since the directory is corrupted, there's no way to access any of the files contained in it, The only thing I can think of is create a folder in a higher level, then move your corrupted folder into the newly created folder and then change its attributes to hidden, so you won't have to see it again, one little area of your hard drive will remain wasted on that folder, bul at least you will not freeze your computer in vain.



it is possible that it will not work, but at least you tried; and NO, I would not try and keep messing around with it, computer really don't like cold restarts. (forced shut down)

Answer 3

I would try to delete the file in safe mode,if that don't work try going to pcpitstop and get a free system check done,sometimes not all viruses can be detected by just one type of software....it helps to get a couple of scans done by different antivirus softwares.

Answer 4

Safe mode... then if that does not work which is highly uncommon, delete the folder. it's corrupted. If you have something really important you might want to take it to a tech and restore it from the hard drive.

Answer 5

help for Holly has in simple terms arrived. First, bypass on your laptop producer's information superhighway internet site and seek for known issues and strategies that are comparable on your concern. in case you may no longer discover something, then run via some attainable concepts that would desire to be inflicting the priority: a million. precisely what software reasons it to freeze? Be methodical and attempt to isolate the offending software. Use a notepad and checklist each and each freezeup. attempt to discover a development. 2. verify for an as much as date video driving force. seek the producer's information superhighway internet site of your laptop or the video card maker. 3. If the video driving force does not restoration it, proceed updating each hardware driving force until you no longer have the priority. someplace there you may have corrected the priority. If no longer, then proceed: Off-load all your %., vids, & song to dvds and cds. Uninstall all those loose information superhighway browser upload-ons Uninstall each and all of the extraneous courses you got for loose like Limewire & such Delete all your temporary information superhighway archives & cookies Edit your startup archives and delete what you do no longer choose (msconfig) Run disk cleanup Reboot and change off gadget fix Reboot & replace your anti-virus & spyware courses and test your laptop one by one. Reboot & Run disk cleanup back turn on gadget fix & create a fix factor start up>appropriate-click on My laptop>residences>progressed>overall performance Settings>progressed>digital memory substitute>click custom & enter a million.5 situations your gadget memory length. For ex, in case you have 1Gb RAM, enter 1500 in the two blocks, then click Set. okay to close that container, then interior the progressed folder ensure you elect "courses" in the two sections. Reboot & Create a fix factor reliable success

Answer 6

do you have tumbnails turned on?



if yes then a movie is trying to preview but your codecs are screwed- to resolve this then go to



http://www.free-codecs.com/download/ACE_Mega_CoDecS_Pack.htm



and download



all should then be fine.



had the same happen before



if the above doesn't work then run a root kit revealer such as ice sword or f-secure blacklight