Solution: Windows Vista Explorer Hangs while Copying Files from External Media

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I'm getting numerous e-mails asking for solution of this problem. This problem exists in Vista SP1. The problem occurs when you copy a large file or lots of files from an external media like CD/DVD, flash drives and sometimes from network drives.

In this problem, the explorer window which is being used by the copy process hangs, also the progress dialog box hangs if you try to move it, click on it or if you click somewhere else and returns to it.

Although the explorer window and progress dialog box hang, Windows still keeps continue copying the files and when the copy operation finishes, the explorer window and the progress dialog box become available again.

So if you are also facing this problem, use following simple steps and your problem will be solved:

1. Click on “Start button -> All Programs -> Accessories“. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run As Administrator“. If you are prompted to enter password, enter the password and continue. You can also open Command Prompt in Administrator mode by typing “cmd” in Startmenu Search box and press “Ctrl+Shift+Enter“.

2. Now provide following command:

bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff

3. Restart your system and now you should not face any problem while copying files.

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This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows Vista.

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Omi Azad

Now the point is, why we have to do this manually. They released SP1 and they could fix these problems. Even they will not fix it in SP2, I assume.
VG

^^ Actually. This problem is machine specific. Some ppl face and some not. The reason behind this problem is DEP (Data Execution Prevention) which is a new security add-on in Vista but many times it creates problems. This method simply turns off DEP and the problem gets fixed. :)
Ignition

Thanx,

i was getting tired of this.

well apreciated
Jeet Chowdhury

in xp dep turn on no problem also my cpu support hardware based dep but i face this problem. also in vista i need to reenable hibernation through command line. but they called vista is more user frndlly.

VG a request. in your aero theme i want to change some thing like minimize and restore logo like default "-" sign. how i can do this cause in that theme minimize button is a triangle.
VG

^^ That was done by design as most of the people wanted the button that way. There is no way to change it unless I change it in my future version. :)
jhutchins

Thanx VG, problem solved
Ramesh Kumar

thanks VG
gr8 ... problem has been fixed.
VG

Glad to know. :)
Jeet Chowdhury

VG how you create vista theme?
I Hate PCs !!

hey man .. what does that code really do ?
and by the way .. my vista home premium sp1 explorer hangs when I do " cut - paste " from one drive to another ... there is no problems at all when do " copy - paste , then delete original file " ..

so any tips ?