Opening ANY folder causes XP to freeze

[AndersonK]

Hi all!
I am running Windows XP home edition.

My problem is thus- I cannot open any folders on my desktop without Windows freezing. I can run programs, but I cannot open any folder that leads to a directory. It doesn't matter how I try, either. I can't do it directly from the desktop or through the start menu. I can't use the search feature, or it will freeze as well.

When replying, please keep in mind I cannot get to My Computer, even from the start menu. I can RUN any program just fine, but I cannot open folders containing a directory. Even clicking on my Music folder freezes everything. I CAN use the RUN feature on my start menu, if that helps.

When it freezes, the name of the folder I tried to open is in the upper left hand corner, but the rest of the screen is just white. Cont+Alt+Del does bring up the task manager, but I cannot close the non-responding program. If I try, it will just give me the [[Program Not Responding: End Now or Cancel]] error over and over. No matter which one I choose, nothing happens. This usually stops after about 5 minutes. Then the desktop goes blank, resets itself, and comes back on with all programs closed.

I have updated and run:
Norton Antivirus
AdAware
PcBug Doctor
Windows Washer
Disk Cleanup
Disk Defragment
Full Disk Scan
I also disabled indexing

...and they all came out negative.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have scoured the web, as well as this forum, but I have found no complaints of attempting to open folders causing this to happen.

Thanks!