[Nat Turner]

At this point, I would guess you have some iteration of Vista as your OS. Try updating your video drivers or better yet, start your computer in safe mode and see if the issue goes away.

The other problem is that SONY loads the Vaio with tons of crapware so something might be fighting in the background. But I am still inclined to check if it is a hardware issue. I deleted, inactivated and removed most of the SONY crap so my machine runs fine.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Actually I ordered this one with XP on it because I had read so much awful stuff about Vista.

When I ordered it from SONY = this was the only VAio laptop they offered with XP on it - and it is one they sell to businesses - many of whom still insist on XP (or did then - which was about 2.5 years ago).

I haven’t ventured into Vista land yet.