Windows 7: Aero switches to Basic (at set time)

Hi there, I've had this problem before, but it reoccurred just now so thought I'd finally try and find out what it is.
At 1am my PC switches from Aero to Basic, then within 3 minutes switches back. I did update my graphics drivers today, but as I say it used to happen pretty frequently.
Pretty sure nothing intensive is running, I have a HD4870 1gb, 8gb ram and a 965 x4 processor with nothing running that isn't for any other hour of the day.
Since its now one form of daylight saving time, I guess it would actually be swapping at midnight GMT.
Any thoughts as to what may cause this?
Thanks

Welcome to Seven Forums yellams. Do you have Windows update scheduled to automatically check for updates at that time?

Windows Update Settings - Change

A Guy

Not sure where the time for check for updates is, I have it set to install automatically at 3am, but the times it checks for updates doesn't seem to be an obvious setting. Apparently the latest check for updates was at 14:10 today (as I turned my computer on) if that helps?

The link in my post shows where to check for which time, but you say it's 3am, so I guess you know?? In any case, if it's set for 3am, then that's not it. Suggest you open your task manager ( Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to the Processes tab, and see if you can find a process starting when the Aero disappears. You can also check the Applications tab at the same time. If you can't see any obvious resource hogs there, you can also open the resource manager and see if anything stands out.

Resource Monitor

If no help, I'd try a clean start to see if you can find anything conflicting

Troubleshoot Application Conflicts by Performing a Clean Startup

Obviously some scheduled task is causing this as it happens at 1am. A Guy

Ah ok, yes I wasn't sure if they would be the same time.
It didn't happen last night, but next time it does I'll have a look at some processes and see if anything stands out.
Thanks for the help

When you get a chance, see if you can update your system specs. Nothing should really regularly disable Aero unless you have a minimum spec to run seven.

System Info - See Your System Specs

A Guy

Done

Well, you have more than adequate hardware, so that shouldn't be an issue. I'll follow this thread and see what you come up with at 1am, good luck

A Guy