I have been getting the message, explorer has encountered a problem and must close...etc. randomly when I try to open different programs. I use the debug button and then open the program. I have also got the message, Dr. Watson...etc. What causes this?I have run scans for malware, spyware and virus, all negative.

Did you mean "INTERNET Explorer has encountered a problem and must close..."?~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (IE, Mail, Security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ Disclaimer: MS MVPs neither represent nor work for Microsoft

Hi MURF62, · What is the exact error message that you receive about Dr. Watson?· Are you able to use internet explorer without having any issues? I would suggest you to perform the following steps. Step 1: Perform a clean boothttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353While in clean boot, try to open programs and check if you’re able to open them successfully.Note: Once you’re done with troubleshooting, reset the computer to start as usual. Hope this information is helpful and let me know if you need any further assistance.Mouneshwar R – Microsoft Support-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think

It says "Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience." if you were in the middle of something...,. Please tell Microsoft...,.then has the 3 option buttons - Debug, Send Error Report, Don't Send.If I hit the debug button, I can usually go back and open the program, but sometimes the Dr. Watson message comes up.

This is an Internet Explorer-specific forum, not a Windows Explorer-specific forum. I suspect you should be posting inhttp://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/xpperformance/threads orhttp://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/xpsecurity/threads forum.That being said, please answer all of the following diagnostic questions by number in your very next reply (no need to quote this post):1. Is WinXP SP3 installed?2. Is Automatic Update enabled and is the computer fully patched at Windows Update?3. What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party firewall (if any)?4. Has a(nother) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on this machine?5. Did a Norton or McAfee free-trial come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it? (Doesn't matter if you never used or Activated it.)~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (IE, Mail, Security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ Disclaimer: MS MVPs neither represent nor work for Microsoft