In a normal operation, you can't see any explorer.exe error popped out of the window everytime you click a file or folder. This is annoying and you can't work properly with your computer. If we see an error like this, then there is something wrong with the windows or a virus is trying to destroy your programs.
What is Explorer.exe?
Accordingly, Windows Explorer is the application that displays the contents of folders and drives on computer. By manipulating the icons within the windows explorer, you tell windows what to do with the actual files.
Explorer.exe is another part of Windows, the shell, or the program that maintains the desktop and interface of the system.
The explorer.exe file is an executable file for Windows Explorer. In the Microsoft Windows operating system, the explorer.exe file runs and has a graphical user interface that you can see when you are opening hard drives or file. Sometimes, the graphical user interface of the explorer.exe file is referred to as Windows GUI or Explorer.
The explorer.exe file was created to replace the Windows 3.x File manager, which is the older version of the application embedded on previous versions of the MS Window environment. The explorer.exe file is executed when the user double-clicks on the My Computer desktop icon and the one found in the start menu. The explorer.exe file was initially used only to navigate or browse files, but as newer versions of Windows were release, it evolved to being a file management system that is task-based.
Other instance of Explorer.exe
Some say that explorer.exe is a process which is registered as a Trojan. And this Trojan allows attackers to access your computer from remote locations, stealing passwords, internet banking and personal data which is a security risk and should be removed from your system.
Some says it is not a spyware, neither an adware nor a trojan virus and should not be removed from the system.
So it's better to check it out by yourself.
A User's Suggested Solution:
1. CTR-Alt-Del to bring up Task Manager
2. Click file / New Task (Run)
3. Type Regedit in the Run box and click OK
4. Browse to the following registry key:
HOTKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\ Current Version\Image File Execution Options
5. Under this key there will be sub-keys named explorer.exe and iexplorer.exe. Delete both of them entirely. They should be listed under the Image File Execution Options Key.
6. Close the registry editor
7. Restart the computer
Assuming no other viruses/ adware/ spyware/ malware are interfering, the windows desktop should load fine then.
What if a virus infected the file?
First, try to scan all the drives using Avira or Avast. Look for the free version or buy a licensed one. Virus scanning can help you determine and eliminate files infected by a virus. This way, it will lessen your burden and prevent penetrating your files or programs. It will help you decide whether to delete them or quarantine them so you can still use some of the programs by restoring those execution files found in the virus vault or virus chest. Deleting those executable files can prevent you from running a certain program and all you need is to re-install it.
Other remedies available if users' suggestion doesn't work
For me, the shortcut method is to reformat the PC. Reformatting the computer can save your time and effort than removing viruses one by one (which is time consuming) or applying some user's suggestion found in the web. I experienced this already and I was so frustrated.
In the case of two partitions, some viruses may reside on either side in which case we may not totally remove them even after reformatting and installation of Operating System. In my case, the virus is strong enough that reside on one partition which after I reformatted the system drive and installed OS and other programs - it's still there. When I attempted to install an anti-virus program, it didn't push through and removed the installer as well.
So what I did was reformatting it again and installs the OS and the anti-virus before anything else. Indeed, the anti-virus was installed and prevented any virus from attacking those files in the system and removed those virus detected by it.
Therefore, be sure to install an anti-virus as early as possible (after installation of OS) that when they start to attack some files they could be prevented by an anti-virus.
So what I did was reformatting it again and installs the OS and the anti-virus before anything else. Indeed, the anti-virus was installed and prevented any virus from attacking those files in the system and removed those virus detected by it.
Therefore, be sure to install an anti-virus as early as possible (after installation of OS) that when they start to attack some files they could be prevented by an anti-virus.
