XP Pro - swapping between "Classic" and "XP" modes

[Andrew Murray]

Using XP Pro, SP2.

I had trouble today, just changing different settings in the Display
Properties trying to swap back to XP mode from the Classic theme/mode my PC
froze up and wouldn't change the theme back to XP mode.

Had to restart the system by reset button (couldn't ctrl-alt-del). Have
done this previously without trouble. Haven't done any major changes
recently, but system did do a Windows Update last night (auto update).

Tried several times, same situation. Finally rolled-back with System
Restore, system now working correctly again.

However I want to know what could be the cause of this? Video drivers comes
to mind, so I might just update those first and report back.

Meanwhile has anyone else had this occur?

Thanks.

 

[T. Waters]

Auto-update is fraught with this type of problem. Video drivers you don't
need are one of the "surprises" that come packaged in non-critical updates.
You are much better off self-selecting the Updates yourself. Let them
download automatically, but set your preferences to allow you to install
only the ones you need. Critical Updates, certainly. Most non-critical
updates can be reviewed for relevance and in most cases, not installed.

 

[Bill Crocker]

I think you guessed it, video drivers. After applying SP2, download the
most current drivers from the OEM of your video card, and you should be good
to go.

Bill Crocker