this has been determined as non malware related here
when i try to open random files (or even r-click them) explorer crashes, immediately followed by a dr watson post mortem debugger crash. this sometimes happens with a certain file but then stops, and starts on another one. this also happened once when trying to access a file on a CD. sfc has been run, windows update has been run and check disk has been run without success.
yesterday things have gotten even worse and now right on startup the ati catalyst control center crashes , followed by... you guessed it a dr watson crash. causing me to be unable to use the computer properly.
main errors can be seen in the link
a speedy reply will be most appreciated
Daniel