Real Media file are not supported, but I agree with you that this should not crash VLC or your machine. You might try a later version as the developers are constantly trying to keep this from happening.
If you are having problems playing files after this experience reset the defaults or better yet erase the preferences directory. C:\Documents and Settings\Owner (this is you)\Application Data\VLC Erase VLC.
Application Data is a hidden directory so you will need to make it visible.
Reset can be accomplished external to VLC by going to Start Menu. Programs, VideoLAN and selecting the reset icon or internal to VLC through Miscellaneous, Preferences, Reset. Then you must restart VLC.