Windows Explorer Hangs When Internet Explorer Does

After Internet Explorer stops responding (hangs), Windows Explorer may also stop responding.

This behavior can occur if you install the Windows Desktop Update component during the installation of Internet Explorer. By default, Windows Explorer runs in the same process as Internet Explorer. When Internet Explorer hangs, it may cause Windows Explorer to hang also.

To prevent this behavior, run Internet Explorer in a separate process. To do so, use the following steps in Internet Explorer.

NOTE: Running Internet Explorer in a separate process may reduce its performance and use more system resources.

Internet Explorer 4.x

1. On the View menu in Internet Explorer, click Internet Options.
2. Click the Advanced tab, and then click to select the Browse In A New Process check box.
3. Click OK.
4. Quit Internet Explorer and then restart it.

Internet Explorer 5

1. On the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, click Internet Options.
2. Click the Advanced tab, and then click to select the Launch Browser Windows In A Separate Process check box.
3. Click OK.
4. Quit Internet Explorer and then restart it.