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Question

File Explorer not responding

Jun 2, 2016 10:11AM PDT

W10 does not allow me to save Internet pics, or PDF's, or open File Explorer, or even open My PC (old W7 "my computer")!! If I attempt to do any of these I get a message that File Explorer is "not responding" and I see the dreaded blue circle spinning endlessly. I have searched the Internet endlessly for a fix without success. Help!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
I'll share a story.
Jun 2, 2016 10:20AM PDT

It's been a long time but I found a JPEG file that would hang File Explorer. I was going to Microsoft in Redmond so I put it on floppy and CDs so I could hand Microsoft a copy.

This file would not only hang File Explorer but lock you out of your account if you put it on the desktop.

I waited my turn to talk with Microsoft engineers and told them of my find. Their response was a lesson in how Microsoft thinks about such things. Ready for the reply? Here it is:
"Don't do that."

So from Windows 3 to 10 this issue is still with us. We have to find the file that File Explorer is hanging on and get it out of the system. How is on the web so let's chat about how I test if it's something else. To test if it's something else I create a new user account (we all should have a spare admin account!) and see if File Explorer works there.

Post was last edited on June 2, 2016 10:21 AM PDT

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File Explorer not responding
Jun 2, 2016 11:59AM PDT

I created a new user account and opened W10. File explorer works as it should! Now what? Happy

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Find Waldo?
Jun 2, 2016 12:35PM PDT
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Find Waldo?
Jun 2, 2016 6:00PM PDT

Thank you for your help. Herein lies the problem. I am unable to open FE! As soon as I try I get the blue spinning ball and a not responding message. Do I am unable to change to view to details.

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How about a double click on My Computer on the screen?
Jun 2, 2016 6:21PM PDT