Changing Vista to 256 color mode

1. Find the .exe application file in your Program Files folder (or wherever you installed it)
2. R-click > Properties > Compatibility (tab) > check the box next to "Run in 256 colors" > OK
   

Tell whether your computer has the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows Vista

Problem: You don't know whether or your PC is running the 32 or 64-bit version of Windows Vista

Solution: Start > type in "msinfo32.exe" > Enter > look for "System Type"
If your system type is listed as....
x86-based PC = 32-bit version of Vista
x64-based PC = 64-bit version of Vista

Create a Restore Point in Vista

Start > Control Panel > System > System Protection (in L toolbar) > Create

Jerky video playback

Problem:
When you're playing a video w/a large resolution (or any video at all) on your computer, the playback jerks/freezes then unfreezes, pixelates a lot after resuming, etc

Solution:
Increase the video frame rate

Solution 2:
Bad news- your (laptop) monitor cannot keep up with the video being played, so the solution is to get an external monitor, hook it up and play it while viewing the monitor.

Useful Links

Sony Vaio VGN-Z690 Drivers

View/update a list of drivers on Vista

Start > R-click 'Computer' > Manage > Device Manager (L pane) > R-click any device and select 'Update Driver Software...'

Crackling Sound Coming from Speakers

Problem:
One day your speakers start emitting an occasional crackling/static sound.

Solution:
Download and (re)install your audio driver.

If that does not work, manually check for an updated driver online (using Microsoft's automatic driver-sensing command is not reliable in my experience - it didn't detect a Realtek HD driver update that ultimately solved my problem).

Solution Tested on:
Sony Vaio VGN-Z690
Windows Vista Business