When using Windows Explorer, right clicking on folders causes an error message (with no number) and the program shuts down. Can I correct this without using the recovery disk. I don't want to have to reload other programs.

Hi JohnKarv,· Did you make any software or hardware changes on your machine prior to this issue?· What is the exact error message you receive?Let’s follow these steps and check if it helps.Step 1You may boot the computer into ‘safe mode’ and check if the issue persists. It will start Windows XP with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed, follow the steps to boot the computer in safe mode:a. Restart the computer.b. Start tapping F8 key.c. You will get advanced boot option window.d. Select the option “Safe mode”.For more information, refer this link:A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XPStep 2If the issue doesn’t persist in safemode,you may configure the computer in clean boot and check if the issue reappears. It will start Windows XP by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs and helps to eliminate software conflicts.The following link has steps showing how to perform clean boot: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353Note: Please ensure that the computer is set to start as usual by following the section ‘Steps to configure Windows to use a Normal startup state’ from the article: How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353Hope the information helps. Please post back and let us know.RegardsDebleena SMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Hi JohnKarv,· Did you make any software or hardware changes on your machine prior to this issue?· What is the exact error message you receive?Let’s follow these steps and check if it helps.Step 1You may boot the computer into ‘safe mode’ and check if the issue persists. It will start Windows XP with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed, follow the steps to boot the computer in safe mode:a. Restart the computer.b. Start tapping F8 key.c. You will get advanced boot option window.d. Select the option “Safe mode”.For more information, refer this link:A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XPStep 2If the issue doesn’t persist,you may configure the computer in clean boot and check if the issue reappears. It will start Windows XP by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs and helps to eliminate software conflicts.The following link has steps showing how to perform clean boot: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353Note: Please ensure that the computer is set to start as usual by following the section ‘Steps to configure Windows to use a Normal startup state’ from the article: How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353Hope the information helps. Please post back and let us know.RegardsDebleena SMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.