[Roy Dennis]

Is this data in the signature your friends Spec?

If so I see you are only on Service Pack 2, there is a 3.5. when you load that you will probably find other custom updates.
Check your version of direct x I believe you need version 10 or later.

Also I would go to the Dell website and search for any updates there, I believe there are some for that Model if you haven't already done them.

To test a couple of other things temporarily while not on line, try disabling any spy ware program and see if the problem goes away.
Also if you have early versions of Roxio cd copying program uninstall that and see if that cures it.

Roy.