more odd behavior - KDE desktop icons disappearing

OK, methinks it is time to do yet another re-install of SuSE7.3. I have a new problem. The icons on my desktop disappear. I can lauch apps from Kikker, but anything that sits on the desktop is dead. The only recovery I have found so far is to log out and back in again. Any other ideas? Cause? It is almost as if KFM was choking on me.... I hate to give up (reinstall) and not learn why this is happening. C.