possible driver issues

[sciencemagic]

I keep getting windows error messages. Windows explorer has stopped working, windows is looking fro asolution to the problem. This error message is on going! And it never gets resolved. But, resently a windows contributor mention a possibnle problem regarding drivers "1. First thing you should always do is make sure your exact PC manufacturer drivers are updated to their latest versions! Outdated PC drivers cause a lot of Windows errors and updating your network devices can fix most Windows Internet connection problems. You can either search the manufacturer’s websites and download/install all your current drivers, or you can run a recommended driver update program that will find and update them for you.

Well, this got me thinking. Can my pc manufacture have any help or input? Being this windows error message won't stop and I have tried all the usual windows fixes that they recommend, I have tried MANY, I am at a wits end. So, can anyone at HP have any possible answers? Thank you.

[Rainbow23]

@sciencemagic,

Welcome to HP Forums, this is a great place to get support, find answers and tips.

Thank you for posting your query, I'll be more than glad to help you.

I understand that you are getting the error message "Windows explorer has stopped working" on your HP Pavilion p2-1113w Desktop PC.

This could be a software issue on the unit.

Let's go through a few steps to resolve this issue.

And here's the step by step guide for you in the link: Error: Windows Explorer has stopped working

Also, let us know if you have made any changes to your computer.

Let me know how this works.
 

You have a good day ahead.
 

[sciencemagic]

Hi Rainbow 23, thank you for your reply. When I access the info you supplied, I get the message from Windows: "Outdated or corrupt video drivers can cause Windows Explorer to stop working. Downloading and installing the latest video driver can solve many of these issues. You can do this from using Windows Update or by visiting your system manufacturer’s website or by contacting them directly. For more information on updating your drivers, see the following content on the Microsoft website".

When I follow the info links that are presented with MS help, the only thing I see for drivers is whether they are updated manually or automatically.  I have checked my sytem, and it shows updates are performed automatically. But, I don't see a specific category for video drivers anywhere in the options listed, and the above message seems to be implying there should be? Sort of confusing when  Windows is stating check your video drivers, but I then can't find  a way to check them?

I have tried the SFC scan procedure, several times, to no avail. As a matter of fact, I have tried several different Windows scan options that are recommended from various help contributors within Windows help, besides the SFC scan. Like several chkdsk scans. But, also to no avail.

In so far as starting in save mode, I also have tried that. But, when I do start in save mode, I loss my internet connection? And therefore, I can't check for the error message.

Hopefully, you may have a suggestion about the video driver issue that Windows seems should be checked. Also, how can I do a save mode procedure, and still keep connected to the internet.

I do appreciate your help, and hopefully patience, Rainbow 23. Thank you.

[Rainbow23]

@sciencemagic,

Thank you for your reply, I'll be more than glad to help you.

I understand that the issue still persists after following the steps provided in the previous interaction.

This issue could occur if the computer is infected with the virus.

Hence, you may need to run the hardware failure tests on the computer and then perform a system recovery on the computer. 

Note: Do not connect to the internet while performing all these steps.

Please follow the steps in the links provided below: 

1. Testing for Hardware Failures (Windows 7)

2. Performing an HP System Recovery (Windows 7)

Let me know if this works.

You have a good day ahead.

[sciencemagic]

Thank you Rain bow 23 for your reply. When I try and access your suggestion: Click Start , All Programs, PC Help & Tools, and Hardware Diagnostic Tools. I am not able to see the link for PC help and Tools, after I click on All Programs. I also can't see a link for Hardware Diagostic Tools either. So, I'm sort of at a stand still for now. What do you suggest? I did do some kind of a reboot test and HP test? I used the F2 key after start up, and that accessed a HP test of some kind? Those results showed: CPU test-passed, hard drive connection test-passed, boot test-passed, s.m.a.r.t test-passed, memory test-passed. Not sure if those results have any influience on what you were referring to, Rainbow 23 or not? Can you explain?

Also, can you please explain about the video driver issue that was raised, and how I was not able to access it? I'm trying to get too far ahead of myself.

I do appreciate your help, Rainbow 23. Lets see if we can get some kind of resolution to my on going problem. Thank you, Rainbow 23.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@sciencemagic (or in other words, Alchemy 😉 )

It looks like you were interacting with @Rainbow23, but he's out for the day 

And I'll be glad to help you out.

I'm glad the tests have passed as Rainbow might have been hoping for, as that would mean that this isn't a hardware issue but a minor software issue instead,

The next step suggested involves reinstalling the windows of your computer, therefore, resolving all the issues including the video driver issue that you've emphasized.

I recommend you do a backup of all your personal data before initiating the recovery process: Click here for details

That said, in rare scenarios where the recovery process doesn't help either,

you may need to utilize the recovery media and here's a link that shows how to obtain one for yourself if you didn't create it on your computer: Click here

Keep me posted,

If the information I've provided was helpful, 

Give us some reinforcement by clicking the solution and kudos buttons, 

That'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Good Luck.

[sciencemagic]

Hi Riddle, thank you for your reply. But, I'm somewhat confused by the last test that Rainbow 23 suggested I perform. Here is the segment of what I explained.

"When I try and access your suggestion: Click Start , All Programs, PC Help & Tools, and Hardware Diagnostic Tools. I am not able to see the link for PC help and Tools, after I click on All Programs. I also can't see a link for Hardware Diagostic Tools either. So, I'm sort of at a stand still for now. What do you suggest? I did do some kind of a reboot test and HP test? I used the F2 key after start up, and that accessed a HP test of some kind? Those results showed: CPU test-passed, hard drive connection test-passed, boot test-passed, s.m.a.r.t test-passed, memory test-passed. Not sure if those results have any influence on what you were referring to, Rainbow 23 or not? Can you explain?"

So, you are stating, Riddle, that the test I did with F2, was in fact the "hardware diagnostic tools" test? Can you please explain? Just trying not to get too far ahead of myself here.

Also, when you gave instructions for a recovery process, I am not able to access "Recovery Manager, and then click Recovery Manager again", when I try and access those instructions from the start menu and then click All Programs. There is no option like that on my computer from the All Program list.What do you suggest, Riddle?

Sort of like the same problem I had before when I tried to access other links that, Rainbow had mentioned for me to try (Hardware Diagnostic Tools) from the All Program link after using the start menu to start. Not sure what is the problem there, why I can't access those options on my computer, like I should.

But, before I try your suggestion of using the Recovery Manager Tool, Riddle, I would like to know if the last procedure I did, (F2) procedure and test, and those results I gave, was the required test that, Rainbow was talking about.

Being I'm not a computer whiz, just trying to make sure I don't get too far ahead of myself here, and create more problems for myself, Riddle. If I should move onto the Recovery Manager suggestions you mention, Riddle I will. Just want to make sure. I do appreciate your help, and hopefully patience, Riddle. Thank you. I look forward to your reply.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@sciencemagic

Thank you for replying,

And yes, that's exactly what I mean, considering both the F2 and the hardware diagnostic tool from windows re-directs you to the same program,

The steps suggested by Rainbow23 have been rightfully followed by you and I respect the same, it looks like the reason the recovery manager nor the hardware diagnostics tool worked for you is because there's an issue with the operating system you are using as off now and I would recommend you to perform the recovery using the recovery media following the instructions on how to obtain one (here it's again): Click here to resolve all of the issues at the same time.

I hope that answers all your queries for now,

Keep me posted,

If the information I've provided was helpful, 

Give us some reinforcement by clicking the solution and kudos buttons, 

That'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Good Luck.

[sciencemagic]

Hi Riddle, thank you for your reply. I did do the same test again using the F2 key just for my satisfaction. It did say at the top of the screen within the test window a hardware diagnostic test. So, it seems in a round about way, the required test was performed.

Looking through the different options available from the link you provided, the first option:Recovering your computer without an HP recovery kit, would be the correct option for me. Is that cor...

But, before I perform the recovery task, are you still recommending I do a back up? Curious, why the need for a backup? Is it just in case something goes wrong with the recovery process? Or, is there something else I am not aware of?

Thank you once again, Riddle. Your help is appreciated.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@sciencemagic

Thank you for the update,

I appreciate your time and efforts,

it's not that I think that it might resolve the issue, in my experience, reinstalling the OS has always resolved the issue completely when it's completed,

That said, the reason you need to backup is so that you don't loose any of your personal data as everything would be deleted and the computer would basically be restored back to factory defaults.

And yes, the recovery kit would be the correct option for you.

Keep me posted,

If the information I've provided was helpful, 

Give us some reinforcement by clicking the solution and kudos buttons, 

That'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Good Luck.