I have Norton 2005

Definitely

Don't want to sound dumb, but what is a red herring? How do I check my refresh rate? No, I haven't updated my graphics card drivers. I do have Ad-ware, Spybot and Window Defender. I've been using every resource I can find. Are Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer connected in any way on a pc?

I was able to set it to 75Hz. On the Nvidia website it says to remove Nvidia Display Driver before installing new drivers. There are 2 listed in the Program list. One is Nvidia Windows 2000/XP Display Drivers and Nvidia Display Driver. Should I remove both?

Hi MsPooma. I was hoping someone would see this and have an answer for you. All I can tell you is that I use an ATI card and although ATI recommends the same thing I just downloaded the new drivers and installed them and it worked without a hitch. I can't tell you though if doing the same thing with an Nvidia card would work.  

I updated my nVidia drivers in the manner nVidia suggested
I only had one option 'nVidia drivers' - uninstalled, rebooted, double clicked the nv download, installed

I just checked and still only have one option in add/remove 'nVidia drivers' - no 2000/xp in the list - mine doesn't even say 'display'

I had nvidia version 6, now v.9, but it didn't make a difference at all. The problem lays somewhere in my Windows Exlporer. When I end that process, my wallpaper is fine.

Sure did BigDogBigFeet, I answered him in #37

I answered him in #37

#37 has nothing to do with the question asked in #35.

but it's still disappearing when something is loading on Start Up

Download Starter


Then you can check out what is running at startup.

Its okay with me MsPooma when you answered my question with your response in #40, I believed you. I'm sorry this one has been so difficult and that's exactly why I expressed I'm really stumped by this. It does seem that all the obvious answers to what can be causing this, you've checked. It has occured to me that one theoretical cause is that your file registry is corrupted (and not loading the true version of explorer or that explorer has become corrupted). Can you obtain a clean copy of explorer from CD's, your backup disks, or Microsoft to see if that solves the problem. Also, explorer probably relies on DLL's and one of those could be at fault. This sure is a difficult one to solve. I keep hoping there's a simpler explanation that noone has thought of yet. Good luck MsPooma.

I will share this one other item with you. Sometimes when I'm having system glitch problems that I just can't track down and figure out how to solve, I've done this with some success. I reach down and hit my power switch off without going through the Start menu and selecting shut down. This will cause Windows to record an abnormal termination. Then when you turn the power back on Windows will offer to restart in Safe Mode and some other choices. Choose to restart Windows in the Last known good configuration. This doesn't allow you to find out what's caused the problem, but it sometimes makes the problem go away.

I really appreciate all your help and everyone else as well. I do keep it at 32bit color. I have shut down Windows the way you mention (out of frustration), but it never offered me those options when starting back up. I think it is all going to boil down to a reinstallation of Windows....what a pain, but that is about the only sure fire way to solve this problem. Everyone has been so very helpful and patient with me.
Bless your hearts and thank you, Mary