You probably have your computer set to automatically download and install updates. You can turn that off by going into the Control Panel and turning that feature off, but that's generally not a good idea. Here's a little more info from Microsoft's web site:

Why use scheduled updates to help protect your computer?If you have not turned on Automatic Updates, your computer is more vulnerable to viruses and other security threats. When you turn on Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks the Windows Update Web site for high-priority updates that can help protect your computer against attacks. High-priority updates include security updates, critical updates, and service packs.

Scheduled updates offer:

Convenience
You don't have to remember to visit the Windows Update Web site or other online security sites to get updates. And you don't have to choose which updates are most important for protecting your computerÂAutomatic Updates looks for security updates, critical updates, and service packs, and installs them on the schedule that you set.

Reliability
Updates are downloaded behind the scenes whenever you're connected to the Internet. The downloading process doesn't interfere with other downloads or interrupt you while you work. If you disconnect from the Internet before updates are fully downloaded, the download process will continue the next time you connect to the Internet. Don't forget, however, that updates must be installed to take effect. When you schedule updates, Windows automatically installs them for you, unless you choose to be notified and then install them yourself.

Up-to-date software
You set the schedule for Windows to install new updates. This means that Windows is routinely checking for and installing any important updates that your computer needs. Even if you choose to be notified and install updates yourself, you still learn about important updates as they are released. By scheduling updates, you can quickly and easily keep your computer up to dateÂwithout thinking about it.

As a final point, I doubt that the updates are the reason you are having graphics problems.

Thanks for your reply, kudzu9. I do understand about automatic updates and have always allowed them, BUT I like to be asked before they get installed. I have a few that were downloaded, but never installed, on advice from this forum. The update was KB972260. I will go to the MS site and see if I can find out what it is supposed to be. Strange I have had no problems double clicking on a gif to open it before and now they want to open with Microsoft Word instead. The update from yesterday is the only thing that has been added. Thanks again - Ida

Just in case anyone is interested. Somehow my file associations had gotten moved around. It was a simple matter to change Gif from Word back to Internet Explorer. Everything is back to normal now. Still strange, as no one uses my computer except myself! Ida