Windows explorer freeze up - context menu

After installation of Norton 360 version 2 and version three on a Vista Ultimate operating system, Windows Explorer will freeze when right clicking on a file icon. I had Norton tech support uninstall and reinstall, etc. Twice but the problem remains. There is a definite bug in Norton 360 and suggest non-purchase until it is fixed by Norton. Their Tech support spent a total of 7 hours working on the problem.

I overcame the problem, at least for now, by disabling “BUCONTEXT Menu Class,” back up shell. I used a Microsoft program shexview.exe for that purpose. I do not know why the change corrected the problem but it did in both versions of Norton 360.

Do you have PowerDesk file manager installed?

 

What are your version numbers of N360 V2 and V3? Help / About and the ID is formatted: nn.nn.nn.nnn

I’ve used 360v3 on Vsita x64 and Windows 7000/7057.

Sounds like time to check the disk; run system file checker, or backup / reformat / restore.

I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion you appear to have.

There are some recent indications over in NIS/NAV that there may be a problem with context menus associated with the .135 update but whether that applies to the equivalent one for N360 I have not seen.

 

So I would not dismiss the situation as being Norton related just at the moment, unless the user has a copy of PowerDesk installed that has not had its fix applied from Avanquest.

Hi twapacbell -

 

As huywngr said we do have a compatability issue with certain PowerDesk versions that will cause the issue you are describing.  If you have PowerDesk installed there are a few solutions to your problem:

 

1.  You can upgrade to the latest version of PowerDesk.

 

2.  You can install a patch to PowerDesk.  Please visit kb.avanquestusa.com and search for article 4030 for more information on how to patch PowerDesk.

 

3.  You can manually work around the issue by performing the following (this is only a temporary solution):

 

NOTE: Using the Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems with your system, proceed at your own risk and ensure you have backed up your registry prior to editing.

 

  1. Run regedit
  2. HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\PowerDesk Menu
  3. Right click on "PowerDesk Menu" and rename to "zPowerDesk Menu" (this will force it to load last)
  4. Exit regedit

 

If you do not have PowerDesk installed please try the fix tool mentioned in this Symantec Support Article.

 

Thanks.

 

John