Usually VSD 6 will be working fine; however sometimes it will say VSD has encountered a problem and needs to close. After I leave it for a while it usually opens fine again. But the odd time it will only open to about a 3x6 window, then when I try to load my files it will only show "tip of the day". When I click OK, I get VSD has encountered a problem and needs to close please send error report to microsoft. When I try to load an original working program, it does the same thing. Often this can last for days.

Try uninstalling, do a registry clean and then reinstall a freshly downloaded copy and see if that helps.

I did all that. I ran "registry mechanic", "system mechanic", did a full computer scan with AVG anti virus. Then I uninstalled and reinstalled a freshly downloaded copy, but I still have the same problem.

Try using CC cleaner to clean the registry after uninstalling, reboot and clean it again and then re-install.

I was having problems similar and thought I was cleaning the registry but wasn't and when I did it properly I had success.

Not saying that you haven't done it properly just that CC cleaner might work better and rebooting and cleaning again might just do the trick.

You could also try pausing your anti virus program and see if that helps.

What is CC cleaner. I have heard about this program, but its not clear what it is or where you get it?

CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware!

http://www.ccleaner.com/

Is this through coffee cup?

Nope...

thanks VSD started working fine again yesterday (for some reason)? this only seems to happen once or twice a year. So I don't know whether this was a registry problem or a Microsoft issue.