Data Execution Prevention Shuts Down Explorer

[jrak]

I'm setting up a new computer and added a hard drive from an old computer that has data files and video files. I can access some of the files on the transferred hard drive, but some directories generate a DEP message and shut down Windows Explorer. As far as I know, my old hard drive is virus free and I never had DEP message using it in my older computer. Both computers use Windows XP Home. I'm at a loss of what to do next.

Please note that new computer has 2 new hard drives. I copies some files to them, but I have not experienced the same problem on these drives.

One thing that I noticed is that the folders or directories that cause problems all have video files (MPG, AVI). However there are some folders with video files that don't cause problems.

Here's the configuration of my new computer:

ASUS P5K LGA775 MB-P5K Motherboard, Intel P35

Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz 1066MHz FSB Socket 775 Quad-Core

Kingston HyperX 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 Dual Channel Memory

2 Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 3.5in 500GB SATA 3Gb/s NCQ Hard

1 Seagate 750 GB SATA Drive (The Old Hard Drive)

Black Plextor PX-800A DVR-PX-800A-BPS/

PNY GeForce 8800GT 512MB VD-VCG88512GXPB PCIe 2.0 Video Card

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Dencandy]

Can you scan the problem files with a reliable AV programme with your set-up?

[jrak]

Can you scan the problem files with a reliable AV programme with your set-up?

I scanned the problem folder with Norton Antivirus and the files were clean. I turned off DEP for Windows Explorer and now all of the folders and files open without a problem. Am I exposing myself to an unnecessary security risk? I always have the Windows firewall and Norton virus program on.

[Dencandy]

I'm pretty sure that if you've scanned these files & no threats have been found, then they should be safe. If you want to double check you could download and scan with another free a-v programme like AntiVir or Avast (but don't have 2 a-vs running together in normal use) or with an on-line a-v scanner like ESET: http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/ .

DEP works by preventing the execution of programmes from areas of memory where executables are not normally stored. So it doesn't actually test those programmes, it's preventing their execution because of their location, not because of their inherent capabilities. So presumably once your are satisfied they are safe, if you then transferred them to your main drives they should run without any problems.

Please let the forum know what the outcome is.

[jrak]

All tests for viruses were negative. I learned today that my CPU has DEP built in. As a consequence, I'm not as concerned with turning off the software (Windows) version for Explorer. Nevertheless, I would still be interested in finding out what caused the original problem.

[Dencandy]

Nevertheless, I would still be interested in finding out what caused the original problem.

Many video files also have built in executables to check on copywrite, codecs, updates, etc. It was possibly these coming from the external hard drive that triggered DEP.

Are you saying that you now have Microsoft DEP permanently switched off, or switched off just for that location or those files? Switching it off permanently is best avoided, if possible, even though your CPU has a built in DEP. Does Windows DEP still kick in if you transfer those video files to one of your other two hard drives?

If you go to the MS Help & Support page and spend some time searching you might come across a work-around. If you are using Media Player, there's also a help page for that you could search.

[jrak]

I've turned off DEP just for Explorer. I don't believe it can be turned off for specific directories. When I get the opportunity, I'll move one of the problem directories to another drive, turn DEP back on, and see if the problem re-occurs. I suspect that you are right about about the executables in video files setting off DEP. I'll do a little more research and see what comes up.