Explorer.exe Application error. . .The instruction at "0x01b63c26" referenced memory at "0x01bc6260". The memory could not be "read".

Update.  I ended the explorer.exe process and the issue isn't occuring again.  Does this make sense?

Did you install Java on this computer?

http://www.java.com/en/download/help/ikernel.xml

Another thing to check: Which version of Internet Explorer do you have installed?

"You may receive a "The memory could not be read" error message when you click certain Web site links in Internet Explorer 6":
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/899811

It might be as well some problem with Internet Explorer toolbars, such as google, yahoo, etc. which may be corrupt. If you have any of those installed, try reinstalling them, or uninstalling them:

Uninstall any toolbar that may be installed in your browser:
Go to control panel > add/remove programs > Uninstall all toolbars found there...

Finally, take a look to a previous post regarding this issue:


https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/21074450/Windows-XP-Pro-has-Explorer-error-memory-could-not-be-Read.html?anchorAnswerId=11658405#a11658405

From SheharyaarSaahil:
"Download and run this tool >> http://www.snapfiles.com/get/shellexview.html
and try to disable right click options one by one, and check which one is creating problems !!!!

also run these tools in Safemode to eliminate the possibility of Spwyares\viruses !!!!
========================================================
AdAware ==> http://www.spychecker.com/program/adaware.html
SpyBot  ==> http://www.spychecker.com/program/spybot.html
CoolWebShredder ==> http://www.spychecker.com/program/coolwebshredder.html
ToolBar Cop >> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/toolbarcop.htm
Stinger >> http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger
========================================================"

I would add to this list, ComboFix:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix

Also, From the Task Manager>File>New>explorer.exe

Does the Desktop/Taskbar all display properly? If not, might have an Image Hijack.

Back to the registry under the following key.....

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\XP\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options

Look for a subkey named Explorer.exe. If it exists, kill it......

From the Task Manager>File>New>Regedit.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

Look for the following values....

Shell=Explorer.exe
Userinit=C:\Windows\system32\userinit.exe, <~~~~ Should look EXACTLY like this, including the comma...

Last but not least, try replacing your c:\windows\explorer.exe, with a known good copy, either extracted from the CD/i386 directory, or c:\windows\system32\dllcache. The good file should be around 1008KB if I am not mistaken, and should be signed by Microsoft. .....

John, when I run explorer.exe from the task manager, it does display as normal, but the error pops back up almost immediately.  I will try the regedit and look for those values that you suggested.

All registry keys are as you said they should be.  Still getting the error message.  explorer.exe keeps crashing.  what do i do now?

Seems to work in safe mode.

That seemed to work to a point.  The error still popped up at startup, but it did not make the computer lock up.  I tried several programs with success and no error.  However, when I logged out and logged back in as another user or logged back in as myself, I was still having the error and it was locking up the computer.
I tried doing the msconfig again and restarting, with no success now.