Package: xfree86 4.3.0.dfsg.1-14sarge1 Debian Release: sargeThe same for me. I suppose also, that it's related to xfree, because of the date the problem occurred (gnome-applets-package is to old). The applets "workspaceswitcher" and "window list" are problematic on start-up.
ps axf shows no processes from gnome/applets, only gdm is running. Every 3-4 starts the gnome applets crashes, even after reboot.
Best regards, Jörgen