Windows Exporer problems

Dont come in here often as my windows system usually has simpe problems i can fix easy ;D but recently when i load a folder the icons on my desktop occasionally get the a generic icon (white box file looking thing) while windows looks for and loads the correct icon, also my windows exporer randomly crashes and restarts, often when i load a setting panel off the control panel, or when i open a folder
my system specs (if this has anything to do with anything):
Compaq Presario laptop
AMD Athlon XP Processor
3000+
398 MHz (running off battery right now usually ALOT higher)
512 MB RAM
Windows XP SP2
I am planning to do a total reformat soon beacuse my computer is loaded with crap 60 gig HD about 10 gig left (wont allow myself to go below this)
Some help would be great, let me know if you need more info.
my system specs (if this has anything to do with anything):
Compaq Presario laptop
AMD Athlon XP Processor
3000+
398 MHz (running off battery right now usually ALOT higher)
512 MB RAM
Windows XP SP2
I am planning to do a total reformat soon beacuse my computer is loaded with crap 60 gig HD about 10 gig left (wont allow myself to go below this)
Some help would be great, let me know if you need more info.