While I was having the problem of going into safe mode my screen kept flickering. I kept going to properties because I was concerened about my refresh rate. The last time I went to properties I noticed two little black charcters in the left botton corner of my screen. I left clicked on them nothing happened. I right clicked on them one at a time. Each time I got the properties box. Several days ago I was playing around. I right clicked on the desk top\new\shortcut. Typed in mailto: Up poped an empty OE message. I didn't have OE open. I just closed the new message box. Anyway after I did the right click thing the empty message went to mailwasher. My screen hasn't flickered again. "Holding breath" Haven't went to safe mode again either. Do you suppose that caused all my problems? A long time ago someone else on this forum had a flickering screen. I don't think they ever sloved his problem. Anyway thought this might save someone else from doing the same thing I did. Too bad the tips don't tell you what can happen if you do something or don't do something. Juanita --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.541 / Virus Database: 335 - Release Date: 11/14/03