Maya crashes when opening the file browser

Issue:

Maya crashes when opening a file using File Browser. This can occur in the following scenarios:

• Selecting File > Save.
• Opening File > Create Reference.
• Create Image Plane.

Causes:

Browsing files on a network drive or destination that the user does not have permission to access.

Solution:

1. Close Maya
2. Reset Maya Preferences
3. Open Maya
4. Switch to OS Native file browser in the Preferences menu:

If the problem persists, or if Maya is freezing, use the following guide to identify the cause: General Troubleshooting Steps for Maya

Source: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Maya-crashes-when-opening-the-file-browser.html