Explorer.exe keeps Crashing in Windows 7

OS: Windows 7 Evaluation copy Build 7100 (the most recent Release Canidate)

This started happening within the last week. I don't remember installing any new software and no hardware has been installed recently. Basically any time I try to save anything or open up my C drive to navigate to different folders explorer crashes. It gives me the option to restart explorer which it does but the problems mentioned before remains. I can open outlook and send emails, browse the Internet, etc... but as soon as I try to open a folder explorer.exe crashes. I pasted the error details below:

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: APPCRASH
Application Name: Explorer.EXE
Application Version: 6.1.7100.0
Application Timestamp: 49ee918d
Fault Module Name: PROPSYS.dll
Fault Module Version: 7.0.7100.0
Fault Module Timestamp: 49eea66e
Exception Code: c0000005
Exception Offset: 00044f82
OS Version: 6.1.7100.2.0.0.256.1
Locale ID: 1033
Additional Information 1: 0a9e
Additional Information 2: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789
Additional Information 3: 0a9e
Additional Information 4: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789

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What I've tried so far:

• I tried re-registering the PROPSYS.dll, that didn't help
  
• I disabled all non-Microsoft services and all startup items in msconfig, rebooted and the problem remains.
  
• I booted into safe mode
  
• booted into Last known Good Configuration
  
• I couldn't do a system restore because for some reason it was turned off
  
• Searching the web for answers but the only solution i've found is to install windows 7 which obviously wont work for me.

I probably tried a few other things to remedy the issue that I forgot about but the list above contains what i remember trying. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Here's a few more things I tried:

• I ran SpinRite which did not find any problems
• I have Trend Micro Antivirus updated and running
• I ran malwarebytes, it didn't find anything.

Hope someone can help.

Thanks for your time.

 

Thanks for the reply Halo.

As I said in my original posts, I tried safe mode, didn't help, and for whatever reason system restore was turned off so nothing I could do there.

As far as un-installing my Anti-virus, I don't think that'll do anything. I already disabled all non-microsoft services and all startup items which disable my anti-virus and that didn't help. I guess I'll give it a shot.

Halo, do you know or does anyone else know if it's possible to enter a retail key into a Release Canidate to convert it to a full retail version? Or do I have to start over with a clean install?

I know it's a Release Canidate but it'd still be nice to find a real solution rather than simply starting over.

Thanks again.

 

The RC is build 7100, while the RTM is 7600.

So, you need to upgrade. Just using the key won't help.

 

I don't think you can upgrade from RC to a win 7 install.
I'm trying to find out when the RC will stop working. Anyone know?

Found the info.

 

@theefool

Yeah, I didn't think just using the key would work but one can dream. I'm going to try it anyways, why you might ask, because it'll only take a second and I just want to know for sure even though deep down inside I know it won’t.

About the upgrade, do you mean that I can put the retail Windows 7 CD in my PC that has the RC installed and I'll be able to upgrade it to a full retail version? Or are you saying that I basically have to start over and do a clean install with the retail version?

@plodr

I have a feeling it’s not possible either. But it won’t hurt to try. If I have time today I'm going to see if it’s possible, I now have a real copy of Windows 7. I'll let ya'll know but don't hold your breath, pretty sure it ain't gonna work.

Thanks for your input fellas.