after using zenphoto for several years successfully, i tried creating a new folder and uploading photos, the same way i've always done it before...instead of the photo, a box is there instead with a Zp in the background and a G!D in the foreground...when i click on that box several times, the photo finally appears. what does the G!D mean and what am i doing wrong?

The GD libary is the graphics libary that processes the image resizing for thumbs etc. You see that G!D image if it is not installed or not installed correctly. Contact your host if they maybe changed something (as servers get upgraded regulary).