The display on a Windows Vista-based computer may become corrupted when you use the GetDC(NULL) function in a WPF-based application

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SYMPTOMS

Consider the following scenario:

You are running a Windows Vista-based computer.
An application uses the GetDC(NULL) function together with an exclusive-OR (XOR) raster operation to draw on the screen.

In this scenario, the display may become corrupted. For example, some artifacts may remain on the screen longer than expected.

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CAUSE

This problem may occur if the Windows Aero feature is enabled. The Windows Aero feature makes extensive use of double buffering to draw on the screen.

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WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, disable the Windows Aero feature. For example, set the Color Scheme option to Windows Vista Basic. To do this, follow these steps:

Click Start
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, type control panel in the Start Search box, and then click Control Panel in the Programs list.

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If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.
Double-click Personalization.
Click Window Color and Appearance.
Under Color Scheme, click Windows Vista Basic, and then click OK.