I suspect
1) A Windows update since there were a lot of updates recently. But then, you'd think it would be all over the net. I suspect some OS malfunction because just starting up the manager cures the problem temporarily. It perhaps could be that a virus turns itself off to remain hidden when the task manager is on.
2) My SD MS CF etc card reader which is a bit dogdy lately. It is a cheapo card reader. I have problems with the same piece of equipment before, since replaced with one by the same manufacturer. At the moment it is refusing to recognise CF cards at times.
3) A virus of course but the virus software I have tried says not.

This is driving me around the bend.

I keep my task bar at the top of the screen (since I used a Mac before Windows had a taskbar). But alas the problem remains when I move the taskbar back to its default position.



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