Windows Desktop Manager not working, wont work, can't fix.

Right then! With visions of driving a stake through Bill Gates wallet, I flattened the whole computer out. Before that, I downloaded a disk image of Win7 which included SP1, and managed to hammer it onto a USB stick. It installed fine. Then I set windows update running and 136 updates and a couple of reboots later it's running OK, so far! I ran the Windows Experience Index and it went all the way to the end, getting a reading of 6.9. What I did notice was the sudden absence of the normal transparencies of the correctly running desktop. Interesting. Anyway, I've done a system backup, and installations will continue.

Good show!

Stick with the tools and methods in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 and you will get and keep a perfect install for as long as you do.

Trouble is, I've only done the 'Monkey See, Money do.' principle. I still have no idea what the problem is/was. The only thing I haven't done is install any manufacturer's graphics drivers and at this stage I don't want to risk it in spite of the fact that I've got the very latest setup. Still, as the man said after jumping off the Empire State Building, 'So far so good'.