[CJCerny]

This really sounds like a warranty issue to me. No laptop should lock up like that unless you've messed with the hardware or the BIOS. Remember that laptops are closed systems--they are not do it yourself desktop builds that you need tribal knowledge to solve. Reset the BIOS to the defaults, re-load the original image and load your game. If it locks up running that game, the problem is best handled by HP, if there is any warranty left. Only start your own monkeying if you are out of warranty and HP won't deal with it.