hey,
my problem started when i put a picture as my desktop background.It was saved in my microsoft word file.as soon as i put it there and refreshed my desktop,it refreshed with great intensity,as if flickering.then it became worse.I made a change in display property ,in the theme,changed it to windows xp,then the display didnt stay for more than 5 minutes.it used to turn black whithin 5 minutes of logging in.
i started my computer in safe mode,but it didnt start,then i selected "the last best configuration that worked" and it started and the display now stays.but now the problem is i can not chang the desktop background.it simply never changes,no matter which picture i select.and also the refresh intesity is very high,nearly fluctuating.if it has something to do with the refresh frequency?please tell me the solution.

I would try System Restore to before you made that picture your background and see what happens.

Hey thanx a ton....i restored my setings,it did help. The major problem was my active desktop. I cleared a check box and sorted out the problem.
Thanx a lot for your help.I feel i have got a great place to address my problems.

Great! Thanks for the followup.