well that did it, snaked a stick of ram from the p's computer and all seems to be well. mokba, just for shits and giggles try testing your memory. microsoft has a good one available here. http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp the test should keep running until you stop it. with the bad ram it would freeze up half way throuhg the second test. with the new ram it just kept on testing and vue is running fine for now (touch wood). it never hurts to try and if all is well then that is one piece you can take out of the equation. well, happy hunting to ya! if i can offer any assistance, advice, tips or what ever just let me know! eric