I am using Windows XP Sp2 and whenever I try to do a search I get the following:  Runtime error
Program:  C\windows\explorer.exe
abnormal program termination.
Then the destop icons dissappear for a few seconds.  Does anyone know what the problem is?  Any help will be appreciated.

Explorer.exe is shutting down for some reason, when you try to search.
You are probably missing a required dll or some other file required to run the search program.
I would try running the System File Checker utility to see if a required file is missing or corrupted. Type sfc  /scannow into the Start\Run box [note the blank space between sfc and the /].

I tried running sfc but to no evail I still get the same thing  Thanks

dolwolffo - since you were the only one who tried to help me I wanted to let you know how the problem was solved.  I downloaded a program from nirsoft call ShellExt.exe and ran it and isolated the offended program which was a utility on my computer called the free download manager.  I appreciate your time in trying to help me.

Thanks for the information.
Free programs can cause a lot of problems, can't they?

Hi shman:

It's great that you let dlwolff0 know that you have solved your problem, and how you did it. It seems to me that a follow-up like that from someone who has asked a question is helpful.  I know that I always appreciate knowing if a suggestion I have made has been helpful (not too many to date, as you can see from the fact that I am still a baby member).  But others who look at the postings, and who may have the same or similar problems, would also benefit from knowing if the suggestions work.

Your link to that site is an interesting one; thanks for that also.  

Peter