does anybody know how to stop text flickering i have tried using the two device context approach, but then it doesn't even show if anybody knows either how to stop it flickering in a different way, or how to make the two device contexts work, it would be greatly appreciated

These are quite a lot of resources that will help you with this problem, its in fact a very common one. Its fairly well discussed about if you google for something along the line of device context and flicker free. I'm not sure what language you are using but I assumed your using C++. If your not tell me and I will post some links for your language.

CodeProject's GDI Section
CProgramming.com Fourm Post
CodeGuru.com Article
MSDN Topic
Google Search

I hope this helps you, if not I can give more info. [grin]