Windows Explorer crashes randomly in Windows 7 or in Windows Server 2008 R2

Symptoms

Assume that you open Windows Explorer on a computer that is running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 in a network environment. In this situation, Windows Explorer crashes randomly.

Note This issue occurs if Network Discovery is enabled on the computer.

Cause

This issue occurs because the Fdwnet.dll module is incorrectly unloaded.

Resolution

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problem described in this article. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: https://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Prerequisites:

To apply this hotfix, you must be running one of the following operating systems:

  • Windows 7
  • Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
  • Windows Server 2008 R2
  • Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1)