File Access Problems Windows Explorer Error

[scuse]

Well, I have had XP for a while with no problems really until now.

I was downloading something from a site(music) and the next thing you know, if I double click on My Computer all that resulted was:

Windows Explorer Error (which asked if I wanted to send an error report)

After closing that window another window popped up saying Internet Explorer had errors. This error recommends that I restart my computer which I have done several times to no avail.

So what I have done to try and identify/fix the problem:

-Restart
-Shut down
-Run Scan Disk
-Defrag
-Scanned For Viruses

and nothing has helped.

Has anyone encountered this problem or know of it and how to solve it?

One thing I noticed was that my home page was changed to Xupiter.com, but I do not know if this is related or not.
This error occurrs whenever I try to directly access my hard drives. It won't let me search, go to control panel, go to my recycling bin, go to any folders on my desktop. The only way I can use my computer now is by accessing files via programs. Programs such as photoshop allow me to retrieve photos I can not get to ( via MY computer or a shortcut folder on my desktop). Another example is winamp allows me to access mp3's. So programs work. The bottom line is I can't browse, search, or access files on my computer unless I use a program and this is quite frustrating.

My computers Specifications:
Windows XP Professional
Processor 733mhz
256mb RAM
20gig C Drive
40gig D Drive

[mairving]

I am sure that it is related. Xupiter is a bit of spyware/hijackware that is even worse than Gator. Download Spybot Search and Destroy or AdAware and it will rid you of Xupiter.

[Tuf]

Yes these things are getting more and more common.

[scuse]

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately Ad Aware did not work...looks like I might have to format.

[scuse]

Alright, yes its me again..haha....well I did a google search for Xupiter and found a discussion begun by a guy with my same exact problem and I now have regained access to my computer files.....YES.

Here is what a person suggested that worked for me if you do have problems with Xupiter.com.....

"Go to Tools/Internet Options/Advanced tab. Uncheck the Enable third party extensions [requires restart],this is in the Browsing section.Close Internet Explorer and click to enable it again."

Going off this.....does anyone know how third party extensions affect internet explorer and why they are useful?

[doctorgonzo]

Third party extensions are programs written by somebody other than M$ that interface with IE. So, if they are screwed up, they will screw up IE, and because IE is so "tightly" integrated into Windows (according to M$), you will have more problems than you bargained for.

[Tom Brodrick]

I just had to fix a users computer who had somehow gotten Xupiter on his machine as well. If you go the to Xupiter website, then to the FAQ section, there is an uninstall Xupiter software link that takes their program off your machine. Sounds like your solution worked as well, but their software may still be lurking, who knows?

Hey thanks worked for me too. Spybot found 86 'bots on this machine!! McAffee ran clean and Spybot immunized everything it found. I'm running 20 times better than yesterday, but these 'bots are a pain.