Minor file management annoyances

On my newest computer, I'm running WinXP SP2, and I'm having a problem with changing file names, or moving files to folders. It's not that it doesn't work, only that it doesn't appear in the GUI environment.

Originally, I thought my cleanup efforts weren't working, and then the computer would lock up or not want to allow subsequent simple renaming and moving operations. Then I find that if I do the initial commands, then open another window, or close the active window, the operation was registered when I returned to the scene of the lockup, and I could continue with no more problems. This doesn't happen on the desktop, it's only in my various "Documents" folders or other subfolders.

I have made my Shared Documents folder my main network interface with my wife's Win2k machine and my Mac Powerbook. I'm not sure if this is an issue, but I have learned that putting the "My Documents" folder on an external drive can cause problems. So I mention this, now.

This is a Core2 Duo machine I built in early December, and has been relatively problem free. I did update the original immature BIOS to the newer version, a week after assembly. This problem became evident only in the past two weeks or so. I can stand this if it won't morph into something worse at a later time, as these things can do.

If anyone has a suggestion, I would appreciate it.
Charles

 

My file movements and renaming efforts don't initially show.
Charles