How can I stop my CPU usage from going to 100% when I open the folders sidebar in Windows Explorer (

I am behind a firewall and have Symantec Antivirus installed (corporate site). My computer runs fine except when I view the folders in Windows Explorer. Using explorer does not cause this problem until I open the folders sidebar. Within about 1 minute my CPU goes to 100% and stays there until I restart or terminate the explorer.exe process. I am using a PC with a P4 1.7ghz processor, 512 MB RAM, Windows 2000 SP4 and have just under 20 GB free space on C drive. I have my screen saver set to turn off my monitor (no pictures or anything). This problem occurs even if I have just restarted my PC. The network I am on is very large and has an elaborate security structure with multiple domains (342!) and hundreds or thousands of computers per domain. I very much prefer using explorer with the folders sidebar, although I have learned a great many tricks for getting around without it.

How can I stop my CPU usage from going to 100% when I open the folders sidebar in Windows Explorer (2K)?triumph

It really shouldn't have anything to do with the domain your logged into or the network for that matter. Have you run all the updates for Win 2000? Try logging into the local machine and see if you can recreate the same scenario. Explorer shouldn't hog that much cpu process. You could also try running Microsoft baseline security analyzer if you can install it ok. MBSA

Definitely some other issues going on there. Check for spyware and malware. Sometimes Symantec doesn't catch everything. Is this a laptop or workstation? try running windows defender and/or adware. Also check with your desktop support people and see if they know anything.