data editing crash

I am encountering a problem editing my shape or layer files. Ususally i can do an edit session for a while without crashing, but i have to "save" each single edit or it will crash during the session. I have to reboot the computer and start the program again. After a while, the program will crash immediately after opening the editor and choosing the folder i want to edit. Anyone have the same experience???

Couple of questions to narrow it down...

Does it happen on all your data or just selected ones?

What version of ArcGIS and any service packs installed?

Could be anything between a corrupted shapefile or mxd to needing a software repair or re-install.

Richard

My crash problem was solved by renaming the NORMAL.MXT file. The solution came from the ESRI Support desk. Basically, one would rename the existing Normal.mxt something like "Old_Normal.mxt" and restart ArcMap. As explained to me, when you restart ArcMap, it will look for the "normal" file. If it can't find it, it creates a new one. One thing to remember is this procedure will reset any custom toolbars, etc. you currently have to the "out-of-the-box" default state. I have the notes from ESRI Support outlining this procedure. If you want to email me I will send them to you. My email is: imarcote@sanjuancapistrano.org. This procedure worked for me but the cause is not known. Thanks,