Friend's computer:  Sony VIAO VGN-TZ150N, w/ Vista Business, 1 GB memory.

Vista runs ridiculously (and unacceptably) like molasses.  I know Vista is slow by itself (which is why I use XP) but this is slower than normal.

I've tried the following:
1.  Disabling almost all unnecessary start-up programs. 
2.  Cleaning/defragmenting HD, including the prefetch folder.
3.  Checking virtual memory settings.
4.  Disabling many of the "fancy" visual effects and the Aero display settings.
5.  Installing updates from the Sony VAIO page.

Still, the CPU & Memory usage under the Task Manager are running between 40 - 70% even when no applications are running and the processes tab shows nothing running above 2-3%. 

Any ideas on what could be taking up those CPU cycles and occupying all that memory?  Is it just Vista by itself?  Services?

Thanks.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.Let's make sure that computer is clean...

1. Run free ESET Online Scanner at: http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/
Note: This Scanner is for Internet Explorer Only
   1.  You will notice that the "Start" button is grayed out. Place a check mark at "Yes, I accept the Terms of use". The "Start" button will become visible. Click on it.
   2. If it wants to INSTALL an ActiveX component allow it
   3. You will be asked to install an ActiveX, click the "Install" button (Note: If you have a Firewall install you may have to approve the installation)
   4. Once ActiveX control is installed click on the "Start" button to initialize the scanner
   5. After initialization is complete, make sure, that  "Remove found threats", and "Scan unwanted applications" are checkmarked.
   6. Click the "Scan" button
   7. Once the scan is done, you will find a log in C:\Program Files\esetonlinescanner\log.txt
Post ESET's log.

2. Download SUPERAntiSpyware Free for Home Users:
http://www.superantispyware.com/

Print these instructions out.

    * Double-click SUPERAntiSpyware.exe and use the default settings for installation.
    * An icon will be created on your desktop. Double-click that icon to launch the program.
    * If asked to update the program definitions, click "Yes". If not, update the definitions before scanning by selecting "Check for Updates". (If you encounter any problems while downloading the updates, manually download and unzip them from here: http://www.superantispyware.com/definitions.html.)
    * Close SUPERAntiSpyware.

Restart computer in SAFE Mode.
To enter Safe Mode, restart computer, and keep tapping F8 key, until menu appears; pick Safe Mode; you'll see "Safe Mode" in all four corners of your screen

    * Open SUPERAntiSpyware.
    * Under "Configuration and Preferences", click the Preferences button.
    * Click the Scanning Control tab.
    * Under Scanner Options make sure the following are checked (leave all others unchecked):
          o Close browsers before scanning.
          o Scan for tracking cookies.
          o Terminate memory threats before quarantining.
    * Click the "Close" button to leave the control center screen.
    * BACK on the main screen, under "Scan for Harmful Software" click Scan your computer.
    * On the left, make sure you check C:\Fixed Drive.
    * On the right, under "Complete Scan", choose Perform Complete Scan.
    * Click "Next" to start the scan. Please be patient while it scans your computer.
    * After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click "OK".
    * Make sure everything has a checkmark next to it and click "Next".
    * A notification will appear that "Quarantine and Removal is Complete". Click "OK" and then click the "Finish" button to return to the main menu.
    * If asked if you want to REBOOT, click "Yes".
    * To retrieve the removal information after reboot, launch SUPERAntispyware again.
          o Click Preferences, then click the Statistics/Logs tab.
          o Under Scanner Logs, double-click SUPERAntiSpyware Scan Log.
          o If there are several logs, click the current dated log and press View log. A text file will open in your default text editor.
          o Please copy and paste the Scan Log results in your next reply with a new HijackThis log.
    * Click Close to exit the program.
Post SUPERAntiSpyware log.

3. Download HijackThis:
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/hijackthis.html
Post HijackThis log.
A complete erase, reformat, reinstall of computer didn't work. 

Computer was ultimately sent back to Sony.  It has so many problems that it's impossible to know what caused what.

Very disappointing that Sony's store (in Tysons Corner Mall, VA) provided so LITTLE help. 

In summary, the computer itself probably had a long list of problems (both hardware and software).  Thanks for posting back.
Are they gonna replace it?