I am running XP Pro SP2 fully updated with Symantec firewall and anti virus. My problem is that after starting Windows the first time, opening any folder and then closing it, all my desktop Icons disappear than slowly re-appear. This only happens once, the rest of the time opening and closing of folders has no effect on the desktop until the next time I re-start the system. It's not that it's causing a problem it's just annoying the hell out of me. LOL! I don't think it's my Video card, as I am running an Invida card with 256mb ddr ram and the latest drivers. What do you guys/gals think?

I see somewhat similar behaviour, everytime I boot my computer.
My APC UPS software is unable to connect with the power supply for a period of time, due to all the activity by other programs at startup.
When it is finally able to connect, all the desktop icons flash, then things proceed normally.
Therefore, I think your problem is similar to mine, the processor is dealing with a temporary overload and when it is finished, the desktop is "reset".

Thanks for the input!