Are we done? Will keeping this file in with Blender.exe slow down the use of blender?

We've made nice progress. The bug disappears when I put the file next to blender.exe

Indeed it does. 'Duplicate Area to New Window' on windows that happen to have a View menu exits Blender.

Here is the system information file.

Gentlemen:
Since I can get around the problem by the menu that is brought up by clicking on the icon in the lower left corner (or upper left corner in some cases) of the editor, this is a low priority bug for me. In fact, if I have to wait until the next major release, that would be acceptable.
I am happy to report that the version of OpenGL is 2.1.0 - Build 8.15.10.1968
I have attached the system information file.
I now know how to get to the command line by typing CMD at the start menu and I went to the directory with Blender.exe with no problem and I did what you said, I typed ‘blender.exe --debug-cycles’. Then anticipating what you might want, I exited Blender by selecting User Preferences in the file menu which not surprisingly failed and exited blender. Here is the message I got in the command window (I’m pretty slick, don’t you think? :-)

I find your legitimacy in question. No decent person would tell me to turn off my antivirus.

Here is something that may interest you: When I click in the lower left corner of a docked window and select User Preferences in the menu I am able to get around the problem. A docked version of the User Preferences window comes up.