thanks for advice where do i find video drivers?

I'd check for up to date video drivers and also see if any of these help:

http://www.windowsitpro.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=26804&DisplayTab=Article

http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/t1046918581

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=330182&sd=RMVP

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321637&sd=RMVP

http://aumha.org/win5/kbestop.htm

bigwayne33,

Here's the list of XP video drivers for the Dimension 3000. Unfortunately, there are three possibilities, so you'll need to identify which one you have. The invoice for your system should list the video adapter installed in your system.

Jim

Before you get too deep, consider this. Question: Have you installed a Norton anivirus lately? If you have, uninstall it and see if that fixes it. It was the culprit for me.