Loy wrote:
>Many times when I use Windows Explorer to open an application, the
>program icons on my desktop will  disappear for short time and then be
>regenerated by  Windows (I guess?) one  at  time.>>


That sounds as if whatever prog you are opening is causing Explorer to 
crash. In XP, Explorer will normally restart automatically whenever that 
happens. It is Explorer which runs your desktop icons.

Try reinstalling the offending program(s).

Or (easier)  try restoring the registry, if you have a system of registry 
backups. You will have to go back to a time before this behavior started. 
Otherwise, you could try a System Restore, if it will allow you to go back 
far enough.

If this happens frequently with a number of programs, then you may have a 
deep-seated system corruption.

Check the system files by running the command sfc /scannow from the Command 
Window (Start > Run > cmd). You will need your XP disk. This should repair 
Explorer if that is the problem.

You may need to reinstall XP. A "repair" reinstall may or may not fix it. 
If not, you may be best to reformat your C-Drive and reinstall XP afresh.

Google for "repair windows explorer" for other methods.

There are other less likely possibilities (eg failing hard drive, 
overheating problems etc).










Don Penlington
 From the Beach at Surfers Paradise in sunny Queensland.
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