[dex7]

Hello,

I wonder if anyone can help me with my problem.
Every time I try to select an mp3 file an error is instantly produced.
I can not even click on the mp3 file and then choose an option, an error is instantaneously created as soon as I select the file and the following message is shown….

Program Error

Explorer. exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows.
You will need to restart the program.

An error log is being created.
_______________________

This happens every time and I have not changed anything in my computer or visited any internet sites which could account for the problem. The computer was functioning perfectly before and the only changes I made are the following…

1. I downloaded security updates for Norton Antivirus
2. Downloaded the latest Microsoft security updates….<Security Update for Microsoft. NET Framework, Version 1.1 Service Pack 1 (KB886903)
3. Updated Windows Defender (Beta 2)

These are the only changes I made and now I can not select any mp3 files but I can play them if I have a shortcut and also if I select the entire folder containing mp3 files.
First I thought something was wrong with my Winap which I used to play the files so I uninstalled it but this is was not the problem because I can not select the mp3 files even though the now are in Windows Media player.
I use Windows 2000 pro. and have tried to find the answer at www.microsoft.com but haven’t had any luck.
I would appreciate if anyone can help me sort this mess. Bear in mind that my knowledge with computers is rather limited so try to give a detailed explanation of the solution if you can.
Thanks

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I suspect a corrupt extension key in the registry

start regedit, navgate to

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3

select the .mp3 folder, then go to FILE > EXPORT,,,export it to your desktop as MP3.reg

Now delete the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3
folder and it's subfolders.

Now select an MP3 file (they will likely all look like generic icons now)...does the error recur?

If the error does not recur, you can throw away the mp3.reg file

Now, reinstall winamp or something that plays mp3 files...it will recreate that key.

If the error does recur, write back

[gerryf]

I suspect a corrupt extension key in the registry

start regedit, navgate to

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3

select the .mp3 folder, then go to FILE > EXPORT,,,export it to your desktop as MP3.reg

Now delete the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3
folder and it's subfolders.

Now select an MP3 file (they will likely all look like generic icons now)...does the error recur?

If the error does not recur, you can throw away the mp3.reg file

Now, reinstall winamp or something that plays mp3 files...it will recreate that key.

If the error does recur, write back

[dex7]

Thanks gerryf!

I'll try to fix the problem following your explanation but it will take me a while since I'm quite slow and don't want to create any further problems.
I hope it works......Thanks again.

[dex7]

I followed your instructions but it’s still not working.
The mp3 files look like generic icons as you said but are I cannot select any of them.
In the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT there is still an mp3 folder but all the subfolders are now deleted.
Should I also delete this folder? And try again..
What should I do with the MP3.reg that I moved to my desktop, should I add it back to the registry?

Do you have any other suggestions to the problem…
Thanks

[gerryf]

remove the folder .mp3 too, not just the subfolders...then reboot and repost

[Spike]

Hey there dex7, you say the msgbox says:

Program Error

Explorer. exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows.
You will need to restart the program.

An error log is being created.

Look in the root directory (Defualt: "C:\") For any log files.
> Open the log file
> Select all text in the file
> Copy text

Once you have done those steps, please paste the text into a new reply here.

Cool

[dex7]

I’m sorry for my ignorance but how do I reboot the computer ..is it just a simple restart of the computer or do I need to do press a certain key as the computer is starting up again.

[dex7]

To gerryf:
If it is just starting up again I have done as you told me and it's not working



To spike_hacker_inc:

How exactly do I find/enter the root directory and then access the log files...please explain
______________________________________________
Look in the root directory (Defualt: "C:\") For any log files.
> Open the log file
> Select all text in the file
> Copy text
____________________________________________

[Spike]

Hey there dex7.

I am sure gerryf means a normal restart should do...

[gerryf]

meaning...selecting the mp3 file causes AN ERROR?

[dex7]

thanks..

yes it causes an error....same message as before

[Spike]

Hey again dex7, to get into root directory goto:

> Start
> Run
> type in "C:\"

[dex7]

ok ...it's done

[dex7]

Hi spike_hacker_inc,

I didn't mean I had resolved the problom I just meant I had done what you told me...

sorry if I confused you..

[dex7]

meaning...selecting the mp3 file causes AN ERROR?

Yes it causes an error the same msg pops up