This is a WinXP problem. I've seen it before, and it's not limited to laptops. I'm afraid that the only solution I've found that worked for me...or more to the point, my roommate, whose computer was freezing...was to re-install a couple Adobe programs. If you've got Illustrator (especially version 9 or earlier), that's one of the ones that needs re-installing, along with Photoshop. Apparently, the trick is to install Photoshop after installing Illustrator...if you're running Illustrator 10, same deal. My solution on this one is based on a theory of mine, which is to install the programs in the order of their release. In any case, it hasn't let me down so far. Near as I can figure it's something having to do with the color management systems, although I'm pretty sure Elvis has something to do with it as well.