[RESOLVED] Windows and Tming Routine Not Working Together

[neef]

I have a timer routine (basically just a timing loop) that moves shapes around the screen. The problem is that it isn't in sync with Windows (Vista). If a Windows background program runs (like an antivirus) the screen goes gray. The timing routine still runs but the display is shut off. Only when the shapes are done moving does the screen return to normal (but I didn't actually see the shapes move). Another good example of my issue is when I finish debugging and press the Start button, again I don't see the shapes move, I just see a grayed out screen with the cursor in "busy" mode.

All the other VB.NET programming I've done doesn't assume so much control as this timing loop. I've never had to worry about coordinating a routine with other windows functions. What's the trick to getting this stuff to work together smoothly?