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Every time I start a game or application that uses DirectX (specifically Direct3D) in any way shape or form, the screen freezes for about 30-40 seconds. Everything then seems to work normally. The same thing will happen again when I quit the game.

This does not happen for OpenGL-based applications - only DirectX ones.

I am using Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP2 and my video card is an NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS. I have the latest driver from NVIDIA (7.15.11.7432 A).

The PC itself is an HP Pavillion dv6757ca.

What could be causing this?

Update: I tried running Windows 8 (the developer preview) on the very same machine and... it works! The issue completely disappears. So I can only conclude that the problem was with Vista or the drivers since everything works fine now.

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do you know, specifically, if all or just some versions of DirectX are having the issues? (such as, is it only DX9 or DX10 etc) hve you tried updating all versions of DirectX on your system (most likely just DX9 and DX10/10.1 in Vista) – Xantec Dec 10 '10 at 22:19
@Xantec: Seems to be a problem with all versions of DirectX. I can try running the DirectX update tool to see if that helps at all. – George Edison Dec 10 '10 at 22:21
Which version of drivers ? – Sathya♦ Dec 10 '10 at 22:25
@Sathya: The video card drivers? 7.15.11.7432 A - according to HP's website. I have no idea where they get that number from :) – George Edison Dec 10 '10 at 22:29
@GeorgeEdison Try the latest drivers nvidia.com/object/… – Sathya♦ Dec 10 '10 at 22:42
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