Windows Explorer crashes when Shell Extensions installed.

[fmverv]

Hi,

I've been using the Pro version of PDF XChange Viewer for over a year. On both the home and work computers Windows Explorer crashes occasionally whenever the Shell Extensions are installed. This happened when I first installed PDF-XChange Viewer over a year ago and still occurs, but less frequently, with the latest version, Ver 2, build 52. Up until recently I just didn't install extension. But I recently found out about the ability to see the first page of a document when viewing PDF thumbnails so I tried installing extensions again.

There doesn't appear to be a certain action that causes the crashes. I can just open a new Explorer window or select a file (PDF or non PDF) and it will crash. The time between crashes varies.

Work PC
Dell Dimension 5150, P4 HT, 2 GB RAM, 100 GB HD.
Windows XP Pro, SP3, with all updates.

Home PC
Dell Optiplex GX280, P4 HT, 2 GB RAM, 300 GB HD.
Windows XP Pro, SP3, with all updates.

I know this is not enough info to find the problem but I wanted to at least let you know what is happening. If you can send suggestions for trying to narrow this down, I'll try to get the info you need.

Thank you,
Frank

[Paul - PDF-XChange]

Hi Frank,

that is a tough one - when it can't be reliably reproduced it makes it hard to nail down what is happening. We are going to look into it though and certainly will get back to you if we need more from you.

regards

[Lzcat - Tracker Supp]

There are two common situations which may cause such a crash:
1. Specific file(s).
2. Incorrect interaction with other installed software (viruses, antiviruses, etc.).

For case 1 you may try to split files into sub-folders and see in which folder explorer crashes (this may take some time - to find specific files). When you experience a crash take note of the folder and start working through it breaking it into sub folders.

For case 2 you should scan PC for viruses (if you have done this - please try to use another AV scanner, most AV vendors offer free scanners). Next step here would then be to to disable your AV software / firewall and test if this change something (it would be prudent turn off your Internet connection when doing this). If the crashes disappear - turn programs one by one to see which is causing the conflicts, and when the problem software is located - try to update it if possible.

Also, one possible software problem not mentioned before - virtual disk drivers (including trivial network disk), but it is easy to detect this - explorer will crash only on specific disks.

Hope this will help to locate your problem.