Turning OFF the automatic desktop refresh in XP Pro

[Sir_Nigel]

Does anyone know how to turn off the automatic desktop refresh in WindowsXP Pro?

I'm doing a capture from VHS and dropping 1 frame every 1500, an acceptable rate as long as they don't clump up. They I see the desktop behind blink like its refreshing and I've suddenly dropped six frames all at once. Nothing has changed on the desktop and the AutoArrange feature isn't selected. I've noticed this same sort of thing also happens in the Windows explorer but I can prevent that by closing it before I start a capture.

Thanks for any help

[Shabubu]

Right click the desktop, go to Control panel. Open up the system properties, Advanced tab > Performance settings. Set to Adjust for best performance. Also change the desktop picture to none and disable the desktop icons.

I don't know if that will disable the auto-refresh, but it should.

[Sir_Nigel]

Thanks for your help.

I had already set the performance options to Best Performance and I never use a desktop picture (for performance reasons).

How do you disable the desktop icons. I know how to not show them but not disable them.

The other changes make no difference, about every 8-10 minutes the screen refreshes.

Thanks again

[Shabubu]

Right click desktop, arrange icons by>untick show desktop icons. Also disable visual themes.

Get x-teq setup or twaekUI (WinXP Powertoys) to try some other options. Sorry I can't help more

[Sir_Nigel]

Unfortunately that doesn't help either. I even found a program that lets me lock the desktop (no icons, no mouse clicking) but that doesn't help either. Microsoft still wants the desktop to refresh. Unfortunately I think I'm looking for a registry tweak to disable this feature but I have been unable to find one as yet.

Thanks for your help though.

[Shabubu]

That's why I suggested xteq systems setup. It does nothing but Reg tweaks. Also contained is a help file by lockergnomes with 3 years of weekly tips

[crzyhrse]

Have you tried running notepad full screen behind vid capture program. Also, it might not even be a refresh problem but another regularly occuring task.

[Sir_Nigel]

I haven't tried the notepad idea, that's an interesting one and I'll give it a try.

%99 sure its a refresh, I have occassionaly seen the screen blink like its refreshing.

Thanks for you help