I am experiencing a problem copying data to a removable disc. Each time I copy data or attempt to access the data on the disc after copying I receive a message that Windows Explorer has shutdown and I then have to reopen the windows to see the disk content or open the directory where I can copying the data from. I also can no longer access the hierarchy of directories which defaults to my internet favourites list

I suspect there is some contention between my security software and the operating system

I am running
Windows Vista home basic which is regularly updated and
Norton version 17.9

This is pertaining to removable storage correct?

First thing is to try another computer. That will narrow down whether it's on the computer's end or your external device's end.

Let me know if this isn't an option or the results if it is ;)

Thanks for your answer, no other computer readily available and I have never seen this problem on another computer. I have downloaded files to my computer and wanted to burn a disc on removable storage. I have successfully transferred the files, many interations of Windows Explorer, but cannot navigate the directories on the hard drive or the removeable using the "computer" utility (Windows Explorer) There is no problem navigating in programs like MS Excel but the default drop down directory when the utility is booted is the favourites list from Internet Explorer and I cannot navigate away from this or find where to reset it

There might be some problem with explorer.exe.
From task manager into the process look it is running or not.
And once the disk is detected explore or open just copy the data and send it t desktop.
Also check if the copying stops in between might there be problem with the disk or data got corrupted.