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That’s what I thought, but no harm trying for an easier way–thanks for confirming this, Joe.

That’s what I thought, but no harm trying for an easier way–thanks for confirming this, Joe.

Have we considered the middle ground–that is, using Windows Update at regular intervals, but turning off Automatic Update? This is what I tend to do–gives me time to check out what those who have already tried a particular patch have to say about it.

Have we considered the middle ground–that is, using Windows Update at regular intervals, but turning off Automatic Update? This is what I tend to do–gives me time to check out what those who have already tried a particular patch have to say about it.

“Pdesk” is just the “Powerdesk” software that came with my Matrox display adapter; I tried unloading it, then I set it not to start automatically. The only difference is that after that, only Explorer.exe would hang on the right-click. I noticed at this time that I could get the corresponding Alt-Enter to actually work, at least once. (Rebooting takes up quite a bit of time!)

I’ve waited as long as an hour–at that point, explorer stops hanging, and the desktop and start menu resume functioning. However, even then I haven’t gotten my right-click menu (with the shortcut’s properties, etc).

“Pdesk” is just the “Powerdesk” software that came with my Matrox display adapter; I tried unloading it, then I set it not to start automatically. The only difference is that after that, only Explorer.exe would hang on the right-click. I noticed at this time that I could get the corresponding Alt-Enter to actually work, at least once. (Rebooting takes up quite a bit of time!)

I’ve waited as long as an hour–at that point, explorer stops hanging, and the desktop and start menu resume functioning. However, even then I haven’t gotten my right-click menu (with the shortcut’s properties, etc).

I don’t think that is my situation (when I unchecked the fade effect, the behavior was the same with a right-click, even after first selecting the icon). In addition, when the task manager is running and I try a right-click (on either a desktop or start menu shortcut) utilization goes briefly to about 25%, then down to near zero. If I try to log off or restart, Windows reports first pdesk, then explorer to not be responding.

I don’t think that is my situation (when I unchecked the fade effect, the behavior was the same with a right-click, even after first selecting the icon). In addition, when the task manager is running and I try a right-click (on either a desktop or start menu shortcut) utilization goes briefly to about 25%, then down to near zero. If I try to log off or restart, Windows reports first pdesk, then explorer to not be responding.

I use McAfee for Anti-virus, and AdAware for adware; nothing showing in a full scan (all files) with McAfee and AdAware “smart system scan.” Task manager showing no unusual activity (in fact, nothing seems to be going on!) I seem to be able to use and run all my software, but I can’t right-click on a desktop icon . . .

I use McAfee for Anti-virus, and AdAware for adware; nothing showing in a full scan (all files) with McAfee and AdAware “smart system scan.” Task manager showing no unusual activity (in fact, nothing seems to be going on!) I seem to be able to use and run all my software, but I can’t right-click on a desktop icon . . .

(Edited by Leif on 01-Oct-03 13:09. to replace attached graphic with smaller version.)

Unfortunately, all options are greyed out for me . . .

(Edited by Leif on 01-Oct-03 13:09. to replace attached graphic with smaller version.)

Unfortunately, all options are greyed out for me . . .

These options are dimmed on both my W2K (SP4) workstation and WinXP (SP1) notebook, logged on as an account with Admin rights–have I downloaded a “critical update” that takes away this choice?

These options are dimmed on both my W2K (SP4) workstation and WinXP (SP1) notebook, logged on as an account with Admin rights–have I downloaded a “critical update” that takes away this choice?

Yes, thanks, Ken. I’ve seen several computers at our location so loaded with Adware that, privacy issues aside, had taken a significant performance hit (Pentium 4 as slow as a 486, for example!) I use AdAware on a regular basis, and it has worked to keep the parasites off.