i Use mcaffe which is designed for vista and i didnt have any problem with
the system restore but this did not solve the problem as you still need to
delete the offending file that broke explorer and system restore does not
delete any files.
I believe it is something linked to the way that vista creates files and the
way that web browsers create them that isnt compatable but i am no expert.

"marty" wrote:

> i too have had the same problem however i use internet explorer not firefox
> .i think it is a result of program incompatibility .i could not open any
> thing long enough to delete the offending program so i had to try to do a
> system restore from startup but this failed because norton will not allow you
> to do this (are you using norton) so you have to disable norton before any
> restore can take place . i have since contacted symantec about this problem
> and i have given you their responce below in case it is of any use to you
> --
> martybThank you for contacting Symantec Online Technical Support.
>
> I understand from your message that when you try to perform a system
> restore, you need to disable Norton first. You wish to know if there is a
> major issue where you cannot start your computer in normal mode how you would
> be able to perform a system restore.
>
> Martin, please be informed that System restore can modify the files of the
> Norton program. For example, when you perform a system restore, the virus
> definitions files are reverted back to a previous date. Norton program
> includes a feature called Symantec resource protection which prevents the
> modification of the Norton program files. Hence you would not be able to
> perform a system restore without disabling the Norton program.
>
> In case, where there are major issues , where you cannot start your computer
> in normal mode, you can perform a restoration by booting in safe mode. To do
> this, please follow the steps given below.
>
> 1. Restart your computer, and then press F8 during the initial startup to
> start your computer in Safe Mode or Safe Mode with a command prompt.
> 2. Log on to your computer with an administrator account or with an account
> that has administrator credentials.
> 3. In Safe Mode type or paste the following command in the Start - Run box
> then press Enter. In Safe Mode Command Prompt type the following command then
> press ENTER.
>
> %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
>
> 4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your
> computer to an earlier state, or undo the last restore if available.
>
> The following weblink has more information in this regard.
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315222&sd=RMVP
>
>
>
> "RobertGrafton" wrote:
>
> > It is home premium.
> >
> > i have now resolved the problem by terminating explorer in safemode with
> > command prompt and deleting the whole desktop folder, i also have a linux
> > live disk which i was able to delete the offending file with.
> >
> > I belive that it was caused as a result of a failed firefox download causing
> > a file of size o having a size of 3mb to mess with explorer as i have had no
> > such problems since i have removed the offending download file. However a
> > soloution to prevent this from happening again would be greatfully recieved.
> >
> > Robert
> >
> > "Mac" wrote:
> >
> > > Which version of Vista?
> > >
> > > "RobertGrafton" <RobertGrafton@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > > news:1D336A2B-8168-4EFC-AFB1-B571C918D2FD@microsoft.com...
> > > >I have had vista for less than 3 weeks and when i download any video file
> > > >via
> > > > firefox windows explorer constantly re-starts even after a reboot and in
> > > > safe
> > > > mode. it has taken me 20 mins to writ this in-between messages of
> > > > "explorer
> > > > has stopped, checking solution" and "explorer is re-starting" but while
> > > > other
> > > > proc. run fine just with the irritating box in the way continually
> > > > changing
> > > > the window in focus.
> > > >
> > > > please please help
> > > >
> > > > Robert
> > >