Desktop Refreshes

[macuser21]

I perused the forums but didn't see a similar problem so I'm sorry if this is rehashing something that has already been solved.

My problem is this:
When I start/restart my mac os x 10.5.5 (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM) the desktop refreshes several times before going back to the pale blue screen and then refreshing a final time. The mouse is then sluggish and/or jumps sporadically.

What I've tried:
AppleCare, Apple Hardware, Onyx

Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[bizzle]

Did you try running the 10.5.6 Combo update?

http://support.apple.com/downloads/Mac_OS_X_10-5-6_Combo_Update

Do that, do run normal software update to install 10.5.6.

 

[macuser21]

still have the problem

Hey! Thanks for the reply. I downloaded the pack, installed and restarted. (Restarted several times since then.) And the problem remains. Any other ideas?

Here are some more symptoms I've noticed:

The minimizing and maximizing window action goes very, very slowly.
Sometimes keys won't type and sometimes they continue typing after I've pressed it. (I.E. How are youuuuuuuuuu)

I've got a bad feeling that this is a serious problem...

 

[r.j.s]

Boot from your gray OS X Install Disc 1 and run the Apple Hardware Test.

 

[macuser21]

Thanks for the suggestion but I've already tried that (see o.p.)

Any other suggestions? I think it might be getting worse.

 

[macuser21]

New development!

There's a new development... whenever I plug my pen tablet in, it registers the pen as right clicking continually. (It has nothing to do with the tablet.)