System files Repeatedly Corrupted?

I am having a persistent problem with Windows Vista Home Premium (Service
Pack 1). I don't know how to define the problem, but the symptoms include
the following: (1) I am unable to download files, such as zip files, and get
a message that the file is corrupted; (2) When attempting to unzip a file, I
get a simialr message tha the file is corrupted; (3) When attempting to open
a PDF file, I likewise get a message that the fiel is corrupted; and (4)
When attempting to save an attachment to an email, I get a similar file
corrupted message. If I defrag my system files, these problems disappear
temporarily but then reappear within days or even just hours.

I posted this problem previously, and "DL" suggested that I run a hardware
diagnostic tool and a memory testing tool to check my system. I have now
done so, and my system checked out fine: the Western Digital diagnostic
program found no problems with my hard drive, and Microsoft's memory
checking tool likewise found no problems.

Paradoxically, I have noticed that if I perform the functions numbered (1)
through (4), above, using my secondary hard drive (that does not contain my
system files) those functions work just fine, e.g. I can downlaod zip files
and can unzip files.

I don't know if it is related, but also previously reported that my
right-click context menu function would crash Windows Explorer. I was able
to fix that particular problem with a work-around.

Anyone have an idea what is going on? The problem is driving me crazy
because it repeats every few days.

For your first problem, have you try to use other web browser besides
internet exploler? or maybe you don't have any zip reader (such as winzip)
so your computer can't open it. For your third problem, I have same problem
with you and I haven't found the way to fix it. Ok that's all. sorry if I
can't help you very much.

"Terry Smerling" wrote:

> I am having a persistent problem with Windows Vista Home Premium (Service
> Pack 1). I don't know how to define the problem, but the symptoms include
> the following: (1) I am unable to download files, such as zip files, and get
> a message that the file is corrupted; (2) When attempting to unzip a file, I
> get a simialr message tha the file is corrupted; (3) When attempting to open
> a PDF file, I likewise get a message that the fiel is corrupted; and (4)
> When attempting to save an attachment to an email, I get a similar file
> corrupted message. If I defrag my system files, these problems disappear
> temporarily but then reappear within days or even just hours.
>
> I posted this problem previously, and "DL" suggested that I run a hardware
> diagnostic tool and a memory testing tool to check my system. I have now
> done so, and my system checked out fine: the Western Digital diagnostic
> program found no problems with my hard drive, and Microsoft's memory
> checking tool likewise found no problems.
>
> Paradoxically, I have noticed that if I perform the functions numbered (1)
> through (4), above, using my secondary hard drive (that does not contain my
> system files) those functions work just fine, e.g. I can downlaod zip files
> and can unzip files.
>
> I don't know if it is related, but also previously reported that my
> right-click context menu function would crash Windows Explorer. I was able
> to fix that particular problem with a work-around.
>
> Anyone have an idea what is going on? The problem is driving me crazy
> because it repeats every few days.
>
>
>