i had a similar problem & this is what a dear gf told me, even though i doubled my memory: "...your problem is most likely due to too many programs running in your Start Up menu. For example, hit your cntl + alt+ delete buttons all at the same time. A window should open up showing you a list of what will look like gobbledygook, LOL, but it's all the things running behind the scenes. These will slow down your system and eat up valuable resources - and you'll notice it most when you are working with graphics. What to do? Find someone who knows about computers, have them come over and look through the list. Then they will know which can be turned off and which can't. It'll be a pain in the arse, but have them show you exactly which ones to shut off and when you plan to do extensive graphics, you'll have to go in and do that. A pain because when you reboot your computer, the list will return and you'll have to go in and do this each time you're going to do your graphics. Pain yes, but at least you'll be able use your programs and filters without the constant crashes! Hope this helps!" hugz 'chelle :]