Windows Vista Folders are slow to open in Windows Explorer!

Hi everyone. I have an issue with Vista that I just can't stand. Whenever I go to my computer and open the C:/ drive then open a folder (doesn't matter which one) I always seem to get a 5-6 second delay between opening folders in Windows Explorer. Back when I had Windows XP and I opened folders in explorer they opened instantly. Why is it that opening folders in Windows Vista is so slow? Furthermore after I open a folder such as C:/Program Files I notice that not all of the contents of the folders have been loaded;the green loading bar loads and it takes another 15 seconds for all of the contents of the folder to be shown. So it takes 5-6 seconds to open a folder then it takes about 15 seconds for any subfolders to show that they have contents in them. Why does this happen and is there any way to speed up folder browsing in Windows Explorer without downloading a tweak program? I would greatly appreciate some input on this issue. Thanks everoyne.

 

Did you try to run Disk Cleanup?
Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools

 

Hi Broni. I have already done the usual cleanup routine on my computer such as: I ran ATF Cleaner, ran disk cleanup, defragged my harddrive, deleted temporary Internet Files, I also deleted the contents of C:/Windows/Softwaredistribution/download folder. I also cleaned out all of my old system restore points and I made a new one. So I think I have deleted all of the junk files that are on my system. Its just somewhat strange as to why folder browsing is slower in Windows Explorer in Vista than it was when I had XP. Maybe there is a setting in Tools>Folder Options thats causing the slow browsing speed when opening folders. I've already looked in Folder Options and I don't see anything obvious that would cause this issue. Anyway let me know if there is anything else I should try. Thanks!

 

It may be caused by some background program.
What happens, if you have JUST Windows Explorer open?
Try Safe Mode, and see if it helps.
Also, under Tools>Folder Options>General, do you have "Classic View" checkmarked?

 

Hi Broni and sparrow. I think that it might be a background program thats causing the slowness when opening files and folders in Windows Explorer. I did go into Safe Mode and I opened folders in Windows Explorer and they opened immediatly. I booted to normal mode and I did shut down all of my backround programs just to see if it would make a difference. It did and my folders open very quickly with all of my backround programs shut down. I can provide a Hijackthis log for you to look at if you are curious as to what startup programs I have. Also under Toold>Folder Options I don't have Classic folders selected if that makes any difference. I have included my Computer System Info that I made myself so you can see what type of software and harware my computer is running. Let me know if you want me to post a hijackthis log to. Thanks!

Computer Information ​

1. Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Edition
2. Version: 6.0.6000 Build: 6000
3. Operating System Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation
4. System Manufacturer: Micro-Star Incorporated
5. Operating System Model: MS-6534
6. Operating System Configuration: Standalone Workstation
7. Operating System Type: x86-based PC or 32-bit Edition
8. Operating System Build Type: ACPI Uniprocessor PC, Uniprocessor Free
9. Original Operating System Installation Date: April 20, 2007 at 8:54:10 PM
10. System Startup Time: 6 minutes
11. Registered to: Evan Omo, Omo Electric
12. Product Key: ******
13. Product ID (PID): ******
14. Windows Directory: C:/WINDOWS
15. System Directory: C:/System32
16. System Information Version: 8.0
17. Task Manager Version: 6.0 Build: 6000
18. Reliability and Performance Monitor Version: 6.0.6000
19. Internet Browser: Internet Explorer
20. Version: 7.0.6000.16512
21. Product ID (PID): 84876-600-9251614-23818
22. Cipher Strength: 128-bit
23. Processor: Family 15, Model 0, Stepping 10, GenuineIntel Computer, Intel[R] Pentium[R] 4, CPU 1500 MHz =1.50 GHz, x86, 32-bit Processor, 1 processor is installed, Pin Number: 478
24. Motherboard: 845M (MS-6534) model that supports an AGP Graphics Card
25. Motherboard Chipset: Intel 845 Chipset
26. Total RAM (Physical Memory): 1 GB
27. RAM Type: SDRAM, PC133 133 MHz
28. Number of DIMMS: 2 Sticks of 512.00 MB, 0 free slots
29. Available Physical Memory: 464.38 MB
30. Total Virtual Memory: 2.25 GB
31. Available Virtual Memory: 1.53 GB
32. Virtual Memory In Use: 742 MB
33. Page File Space: 1.29 GB
34. Page File: C:\pagefile.sys, E:\pagefile.sys
35. Network Card: SMC EZ Card 10/100 Fast Ethernet PCI Network Adapter
36. SMBIOS Version: 2.3
37. BIOS Version: American Megatrends Inc. Version: 1.111, AMIINT-10
38. Boot Device: \Device\HarddiskVolume1
39. Hardware Abstraction Layer: Version 6.0.6000.16386
40. IDE: 82801BA Bus Master IDE Controller from Intel
41. Ports: Communications Port (COM1, COM2), ECP Printer Port (LPT1)
42. Computer Name: Evan-Omo
43. Running Processes: 54
44. Hard Drives: OS C:, Files E: Types: Local Disk, File Systems: NTFS, Capacity on OS C 37.27 GB, Used Space 26.1 GB, Free Space 11.1 GB, Volume Serial Number: 00039CC9, Capacity on Files E 19.10 GB, Used Space 2.64 GB, Free Space 16.4 GB, Volume Serial Number: D8023392, Total Capacity: 56.37 GB, Total Used Space: 28.74 GB Total Free Space: 27.5 GB, Name of Operating System C WDC WD205AA-00BAA0, Name of Files E WDC WD400EB-00CPF0
45. Graphics Card: ATI Radeon X1650 Pro 512 MB AGP
46. Adapter Type/Adapter String/Graphics Chipset: Diamond X1650-Pro 512 DDR2 AGP
47. Chip type: ATI Radeon X1650 Series, AGP, 0x71C6
48. DAC Type: Internal DAC, 400 MHz
49. Total Available Graphics Memory: 607 MB
50. Memory Size: 512 MB
51. System Video Memory: 0 MB
52. Shared System Memory: 95 MB
53. Memory Type: DDR2
54. ATI Display Driver Packaging Version: 8.36-070314a3-044985C-ATI
55. Catalyst Version: 7.4
56. Provider: ATI Technologies
57. 2D Driver Version: 7.01.01.646
58. Direct 3D Version: 7.14.10.0503
59. Open GL Version: 6.14.10.6590
60. Catalyst Control Center Version: 2007.0517.2140.36881
61. Graphics Card Manufacturer: Powered by ATI
62. Device ID: 71C6
63. Vendor: 1002
64. Subsystem ID: 0576
65. Subsystem Vendor ID: 1092
66. Bus Type: AGP
67. Current Bus Setting: AGP 4X
68. BIOS Version: 009.012.006.002
69. BIOS Part Number: 11x-8C8503BD-001
70. BIOS Date: November 6, 2006
71. Core Clock in MHz: 594 MHz
72. Memory Clock in MHz: 396 MHz
73. Primary Display: Yes
74. Sound Card: Intel[R] 82801BA/BAM AC’97 Audio Controller from Intel
75. DirectX: Microsoft DirectX 10
76. Windows Updates: 79 Windows Updates Installed
77. Time Zone: Pacific Daylight Time
78. Domain: Workgroup
79. Logon Server: \\Evan-Omo
80. Removable Drives: 3 ½ Floppy A, 52x/32x/52x/16x speed DVD/CD-RW ROM CRX320E from Sony D, Removable Disk F
81. Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor, 96 DPI, 17 Inches, LCD flat screen monitor
82. Screen Refresh Rate: 75 Hertz
83. Monitor Manufacturer: Westinghouse
84. Sound System from Labtec
85. Keyboard: HID keyboard device from Compaq
86. Mouse: 5 button, optical 1.1A USB and PS/2 compatible mouse
87. Mouse Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation
88. Printer: Lexmark Z52 Color Jetprinter
89. Plug Type: The Computer plugs into a Surge Protector with 8 plugs
90. Power Supply: 450 Watts
91. Media Players: Quick Time Player version 7.1.5 Windows Media Player 11 version 11.0.6000.6324
92. Computer Anti spyware Applications: Spyware Terminator version 2.0.193, Windows Defender version 1.1.1505.0, Spybot Search and Destroy version 1.5
93. Computer Virus, Spyware, and Adware Status: 100% virus, spyware and adware free

 

You'll feel better with Vista having 2GB.

It may, just try it.

It sounds about right.

It would be nice to see your HJT log to see how many, and what of startups you have there. From your reply, it seems, that you have some kind of resource hog there.

 

Hi Broni. I know I only have 1 GB of RAM and my motherboard does support a maximum of 2 GB of RAM so I will probably buy some SDRAM PC133 on ebay. Anyway I ran Hijackthis, I looked through it and I don't have any spyware or malware on my system. I didn't make any changes to the log. BTW I checked the option to use windows classic folders in folder options and it seems that browsing folders is actually a bit faster. I do have a lot of running processes on my system. Overall it may be a backround program thats making browsing folders in Windows Vista slower but I honestly just think its Vista itself. The reason is because I did an upgrade install when installing Vista and I haven't installed any new programs on my machine exept Windows Updates. I noticed that Vista is just plain slower than XP was. I think upgrading my RAM to 2 GB will help considerably in the speed of the OS. Anyway here is my hijackthis log. If you need me to run any other advanced system tools let me know.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 7:01:20 PM, on 9/28/2007
Platform: Windows Vista (WinNT 6.00.1904)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16512)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\Windows\system32\Dwm.exe
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\SiteAdvisor\5403\SiteAdv.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe
C:\Windows\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmpnscfg.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\acrotray.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\MOM.EXE
C:\Windows\ehome\ehmsas.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\CCC.exe
C:\Windows\system32\wbem\unsecapp.exe
C:\Windows\system32\conime.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Terminator\SpywareTerminatorShield.exe
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\ieuser.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Windows\system32\SearchFilterHost.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
O1 - Hosts: ::1 localhost
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {089FD14D-132B-48FC-8861-0048AE113215} - C:\Program Files\SiteAdvisor\5403\SiteAdv.dll
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEToolbarHelper Class - {AE7CD045-E861-484f-8273-0445EE161910} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee SiteAdvisor - {0BF43445-2F28-4351-9252-17FE6E806AA0} - C:\Program Files\SiteAdvisor\5403\SiteAdv.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Adobe PDF - {47833539-D0C5-4125-9FA8-0819E2EAAC93} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SiteAdvisor] C:\Program Files\SiteAdvisor\5403\SiteAdv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpywareTerminator] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Terminator\SpywareTerminatorShield.exe "
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sidebar] C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe /autoRun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ehTray.exe] C:\Windows\ehome\ehTray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [StartCCC] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\CLIStart.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WMPNSCFG] C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\WMPNSCFG.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\acrotray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Windows Defender.lnk = D:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O13 - Gopher Prefix:
O16 - DPF: {5AE58FCF-6F6A-49B2-B064-02492C66E3F4} (MUCatalogWebControl Class) - http://catalog.update.microsoft.com.../en/x86/MuCatalogWebControl.cab?1187286998588
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Windows DreamScene - {E31004D1-A431-41B8-826F-E902F9D95C81} - C:\Windows\System32\DreamScene.dll
O23 - Service: Ati External Event Utility - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\Windows\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: SBSD Security Center Service (SBSDWSCService) - Safer Networking Ltd. - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDWinSec.exe
O23 - Service: SiteAdvisor Service - McAfee, Inc. - C:\Program Files\SiteAdvisor\5403\SAService.exe
O23 - Service: Spyware Terminator Clam Service (sp_clamsrv) - Crawler.com - C:\Program Files\WinClamAVShield\sp_clamsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Spyware Terminator Realtime Shield Service (sp_rssrv) - Crawler.com - C:\Program Files\Spyware Terminator\sp_rsser.exe

--
End of file - 6064 bytes

 

Good.

I think, you are OK. I got my brand new Vista about two weeks ago, and I'm still running through slimlining it. Yesterday, I spent couple of hours looking through processes, and I was able to disable 22 of them, and setting 6 others to "manual" from "automatic ". Everything else seems to be needed, and I'm still left with 70 processes running.
My computer came with 2GB of RAM, and I think it's a good minimum. They sell some Vista with 512MB of RAM, but I don't know howe Vista is able to run on them.
Anyway, getting an extra 1 gig for your computer would be recommended.

I looked through your HJT log, and as you said, it's clean, however I've noticed couple of programs, you really don't need at startup:

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ehTray.exe] C:\Windows\ehome\ehTray.exe

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WMPNSCFG] C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\WMPNSCFG.exe

O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')

O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background (User 'SYSTEM')

O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background (User 'Default user')

O4 - Global Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\acrotray.exe

O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE

You can simply disable all the above in "msconfig ", and start any of them manually, whenever needed.
I hope, it'll speed up your computer a little.

 

Thanks noahdfear for correction.

 

Thanks guys. I will probably disable some of those startup programs so my computer will boot faster. I will also upgrade my RAM to 2 GB eventually. I think this case is closed. I have always recieved great advice on this forum and I am thankful for everyones help. BTW noahdfear I wanted to thank you for editing out my product key under my system info. I should've known better, silly me. Anyway thanks again for your help guys.

 

It's not only about a boot time. With less programs running in a background, your computer in a real time should be faster.