Desktop stops working

Quick question about this recurring problem I've been having. I will set my computer to stand-by or simply just close it (laptop). When I open the laptop back up, or press the power button, I enter my password as normal. This is where the problem starts (on occasion, but does not always happen).

I will hover my mouse over firefox or chrome or any other folder short cut on the desktop , and it doesn't highlight. I will click the icon and nothing happens. I will Rt-click and nothing pops up (options menu such as "new..."). Everything displayed on the desktop will not fuction at all, but the task bar operates just fine, and programs can be easily opened without any trouble. If I restart the laptop, once everything loads back up, the desktop is back to normal. I get no warnings, no error codes, nothing.

I am running Windows 7 32bit. Laptop is Dell inspiron 1525 with decent everything, but by no means top of the line. Everything for Windows 7 is updated, as is the virus protection program I use and my firewall. When I run task manager to see what's running on the computer, there's nothing different before/after the problem occurs, and there is no program under my user or 'all users' that should not be there.

I've searched the internet multiple times to find the solution, but figure just putting it out there myself will get me the quickest answers. I'm not the most knowledgeable computer user, but I do know some things, so keep that in mind when asking for further information or giving advice on figuring it out. Thanks!

How does it work in safe mode? The answer will be a big help finding a solution.

Use the computer and enjoy, until the next problem. Then type event viewer in search and see what errors ocurred at the time of the problem

Offense, none taken. That is what this forum is all about. All members have a chance to give there best hunch and hope that someone has the right one.

Problem hasn't reproduced yet, so still no new info to give. It is probably the longest its gone without an incident in a few weeks, so if simply asking why its happening fixed it, I'll take that.

Just like a car that always makes a noise, go to the mechanic to show him and no noise. In any event, enjoy your good luck.

OK, get back to us either way.