My screen keeps 'flashing'

[AidanEnos]

it looks like there is a background program trying to run - a blank window pops up in the taskbar and the whole screen goes blank then flashes back to what I was doing.

If I am using a program that assigns it's own screen size and resolution (i.e. doesn't run in a typical minimizable window) then it essentially alt+ tabs me out of that program to the desktop when this screen flash occurs.

Sometimes it happens every few minutes - other times it happens (like right now) every 5-10 seconds - there is no predictable pattern.

I have a Viewsonic VP2000s moniter running on a RADEON 9250 card. I have Mcafee Virus scan and it hasn't detected anything and there are no conflicts in my system hardware and Windows Update is up to date.

Thanks

 

[teckystuff]

Have you checked Task Manager to see if you can see what the other program might be?

 

[firewolfrl]

I just recently saw an issue like this. I replaced the monitor and that fixed the issue.
try a test monitor.

 

[linney]

Do you have this problem in Safe Mode or Safe Mode with VGA enabled?

315222 - A Description of the Safe Mode Boot Options in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315222&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

How To Troubleshoot the Video Adapter Driver in Safe Mode in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;292460#kb1

Do you have this problem in Normal Mode if you logon as another user?

Removing adware & spyware
faq608-4650

Microsoft (GIANT Antispyware) Beta available
Thread779-979113

Try the free version of "Ewido"

http://www.ewido.net/

To check out other refresh rate problems read this thread.

Windows XP Home Bootup
thread779-1127942