Desktop freezes!
 

Every now and again my desktop icons become inactive... if I right click on the desktop - nothing happens! My desktop gadgets do, however, remain active.

The Task Bar does still operate normally... mostly i.e. sometimes a message will appear that says something like - "The Command Computer failed to initiate". Other than that, if the desktop does freeze I can access my desktop via START > COMPUTER > DESKTOP.

A re-boot always restores stuff back to normal... until the problem kicks-in again! I've tried system restore... no cure!

One event that did happen was that my Google Toolbar icons disappeared (except the close toolbar cross [x]). I downloaded and installed the Google Toolbar again and all appeared fine for a while. My desktop then started to freeze again, but that the Google Toolbar hasn't corrupted this time around.

I've tried scanning for Malware... nothing found!

It's driving me nuts!

Any clues from anyone would be most appreciated.

TCF

I used to get similar problems with Windows XP, some programmes would cause icons to vanish. I got used to ignoring and working around it. I seem to recollect suspecting Nero but never managed to prove anything.

Possibly a clue would be WHEN does it freeze? What is running at the time and are you doing any task? What are "My desktop gadgets"??

usual cause of this kind of problem is lack of RAM, or incorrect virtual memory settings

What says the Error log?

Control Panel - Administrative Tools - Event Viewer - Custom Views - Administrative Events.

One of the more helpful sources of information about misbehaving pooters.