So Microsoft release two Vista hotfixes last week.
An update is available that improves the performance and reliability of Windows Vista http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=938979
An update is available that improves the compatibility and reliability of Windows Vista http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=938194
Well 938979 caused vista to restart as expected but no desktop or taskbar appeared! All I saw was an explorer windows.
So I remove it and still no change. I installed 938194 and no change.
So that is it .. had enough of vista on my eXentia … XP is reinstatlling as we speak!