When did this start? What version of Winstyles are you using? What version of Windows are you using? What is your system comfiguration? Maybe you have a bad installation. It is a good idea to turn off any background programs(Esp. Virus scanners) when installing software and make sure you defrag your hard drive. If it is a hacked version, blame the hack. You could also have a virus or a corrupted system. It is hard to pin point without more info.

It sounds to me like it could be a visual problem, right?
1. I would first visit WindowsUpdate to make sure you have all the files for DirectX by installing the latest DirectX drivers, and check for any Visual Basic Drivers that it recommends. Also, try to visit your video Cards Manufacturer to make sure you have the latest video drivers. What is your video card or who made your computer? At least get the files from Windows Update.

2. One of the best way to start troubleshooting visual problems is DirectX. So, run the DirectX diagnostic tool. Press the start menu button and go to Run.. In Run type Dxdiag.exe this will bring up the DirectX troubleshooting diagnostic window. Your screen will probably flash exactly the way it did with Winstyles which will probably give you an idea that you are looking in the right place. Once the initial check is finshed, check the second tabbed page. Look for any missing file references. Then, you can run the display tests on the third tabbed page. Remember this information, especially missing files and after the tests are finished, try to open Winstyles. Sometimes, refreshing your DirectX might resolve it. It did in some games I played awhile ago.

Did this help?
[Message Edited]

1. I updated drivers last week.
2. Got a brand-new vidio card last Monday. I have a Dell 8250 or some combination of those numbers.
3. Haven't tried the DirectX stuff.
4. Have had Spybot and AdAware for two years and keep updated.
5. Use McAfee with Privacy, Virus, and Firewall.

AND

6. Solved the problem. I went into WS and unchecked EVERYTHING and then slowly added checks one at a time....except where there was a default button and just pressed it. Finally hit something on the visual tab (I think it was) and WS went weird again. Unchecked everything on that page - and all is back to normal. Created a theme to make sure all was functioning - restarted puter and open WS again - no weird behavior. *delighted grin*

Don't know a lot of puter stuff - just used logic! *egrin*

Thank you so much for answering ------ it inspired me to try some things I hadn't thought to do!

Pang - a happy camper again!