crashing to standby

[avspool]

I'm running: win98se
Processor: AMD Athlon(TM) XP 2000+, MMX, 3DNow, ~1.7GHz
Memory: 480MB RAM
Page File: 0MB used, 1568MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0b (4.09.0000.0902)
DxDiag Version: 4.09.0000.0902 32bit
DxDiag Previously: Crashed in DirectShow (stage 1) (directshow)

Card name: NVIDIA GeForce2 Integrated GPU
Manufacturer: NVIDIA

Display Memory: 32.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit)(optimal refresh rate)
Monitor: AOC Spectrum 7K
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nvdisp.drv
Driver Version: 4.14.0010.5664 (English)


My problem is, computer crashes and goes into standby mode (so I can't see what's happened) everytime I touch the "start" menu and sometimes when doing anything directly on the desktop.
If I have a browser open, I can access the start menu etc.. with no problems.
with the monitor in standby, I can't see what has happened, however all activity stops, including internet etc..

Help!

 

[ski]

See if the same thing happens in Safe mode. If it does, then update your AV program with the latest files, and do a virus search. Also, d/l and run Ad-aware, Spybot, and CWShredder to remove any spyware.

If it works ok in Safe mode, then do a clean boot to troubleshoot it:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q192926

 

[avspool]

I have AV always up to date, and more than 3 spywear progs, which I run often, I also keep the reg and other parts of the system running smooth with progs like tuneup utilities.

The problem seems almost like a refresh issue for the desktop, however it does not seem to do it in safe mode.

I will try out this clean boot suggestion.. thanks for your input.