Well I saw a similar problem here and thought that this may be the place to be.

The drop-shadows for my desktop icons are irregular. Suddenly, some of them become very dark - while others remain faint. Usually happens when I open explorer, after a period of time. In the background i notice all of my desktop icons quickly blink, then come back, but some of the shadows are too dark. Usually opening a window over top will immediately correct it.

I almost think this problem started when I manually changed Icons--nothing crazy (like registry hacks or additional programs)

tried: reinstall video drivers & windowblinds (still continues with windowblinds out), turned off/on drop-shadows, hid desktop icons/ rebooted/ displayed icons, also restored default icons

I'm using windows xp sp2

new machine and ati graphic card

the problem is so small, that it's HUGE!

Man!!
I've been trying to find my icon cache key for days

now I came upon this screenshot ???

it couldn't be possible that I don't have the key?? my img is on top

yes I'm in _LOCAL

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.......

here's an image of the initial problem, just incase its needed as support to the
probability of my issue

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+++

hints

1. the only desktop items immune to the dark shadows are 'shortcuts'

2. launching a program (40,000K) is certain to evoke the problem