Data Execution Prevention

[rss]

Since updating my xp machine with service pack 2 I've run into the follow problem:

Whenever I try to do someting beyond browsing in windows explorer I get a DEP (Data Execution Prevention) error. I am able to complete the task and then explorer is closed down. For instance, sharing a folder will create this action immediately while creating a new folder will sometimes create the problem and other times not. Anyone have any thoughts? I am not even sure what else to ask or provide.

Thanks.

[craigmodius]

it almost sounds like you might have a virus or spyware causing problems.

make sure you are virus free, and cleanup any spyware (http://forums.windrivers.com/showthread.php?t=57348) and maybe look at disabling DEP (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/sp2mempr.mspx) till you can get it sorted out.

End users who are logged on as administrators can manually configure DEP between the OptIn and OptOut policies using the Data Execution Prevention tab inside the System Properties dialog box. The following procedure describes how to manually configure DEP on the computer:

1.
Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.

2.
Click the Advanced tab. Then, under Performance, click Settings.

3.
Click the Data Execution Prevention tab.

4.
Click Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only to select the OptIn policy.

5.
Click Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select to select the OptOut policy.

6.
If you selected the OptOut policy, click Add and add the applications that you do not want to use DEP with.

[craigmodius]

it looks like they got the right idea over here (http://forums.pcper.com/showthread.php?t=345629)

So it appears that you have a 3rd party extensions to context menus in explorer (Winzip, Winrar, etc). One of these extensions is misbehaving under DEP. Since the extension code is running in the explorer.exe process, the problem is manifesting itself as freezing of the shell.

To *really* solve your problem, you need to track down which right-click extension is causing the freezes by individually disabling them. Unfortunately, the list of such extensions isn't well exposed in the system. As most everything else in Windows, it's knee deep in the registry. If you're interested in going down that path, I could dig up some information for you by the end of the day.


check at the bottom of the page, they list a program to help you figure out which right click menu item might be crashing things

[rss]

I've downloaded the utility and will play with it. If you have any other information that would be great.

On another issue, are you an ace on remote desktop assistance?

[TechZ]

Read here: http://forums.windrivers.com/showthread.php?p=525843#post525843

[mas1970]

I was having the same DEP problem with Windows Explorer. I went in Control Panel and turned it off for Explorer. Fine.

Explorer is still shutting down whenever I use it for more than about 10 seconds. The only difference is that now I don't get a box telling me that Windows is about to close my program because of a DEP conflict; it just closes. My whole taskbar disappears for 2 - 3 seconds while it closes, then everything comes back.

I don't know what else to do. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

[craigmodius]

does it happen when you right click in Explorer or when you select File->New?

if that's the case I would suspect one of those items in the "New" menu is causing you problems, such as a Winzip or WinRar or a Virus Scanner etc.

you can disable alotta them thru Tweak UI for XP (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx) (once installed on the My Computer->Templates entry uncheck what you don't want)

I thin the list right out so the menu displays to me quicker. :thumbs:

or like Techz is saying...

If you choose to disable DEP, we recommend that you try to update all your software and drivers to Windows XP SP2-compatible versions as soon as they are released, and then re-enable the DEP feature

[mas1970]

Well, what I'm usually doing when it happens is moving pictures from my digital camera to my hard drive. I like to use Explorer for this because it's the quickest and easiest method for me. At least it WAS until this started happening.

I very rarely select File -> New; I generally only do that when I want to add a new folder.

I guess I do right-click a lot and didn't even realize it; I almost replied that I never right-click. But that is how I move most of my pictures (because the default is copy and I want to move instead).

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it.

-M.

does it happen when you right click in Explorer or when you select File->New?

if that's the case I would suspect one of those items in the "New" menu is causing you problems, such as a Winzip or WinRar or a Virus Scanner etc.

you can disable alotta them thru Tweak UI for XP (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx) (once installed on the My Computer->Templates entry uncheck what you don't want)

I thin the list right out so the menu displays to me quicker. :thumbs:

or like Techz is saying...

[TechZ]

use www.autopatcher.com (http://www.autopatcher.com) and keep fully updated with all the pre-SP2 fixes. I use it and I'm still safe ;)