[stomachmonkey]

command option p r is clearing parameter ram. It's useful. PRam keeps track of stuff like date and time. Sometimes you need to keep holding it till the machine reboots 3 or 4 times to clear everything.

Do you have an extra external hard drive around that you can install the OS on and boot from there? Or just boot from the CD and see if the problem persists.

If the problem goes away under either scenario it' s corrupt OS.

If not could be firmware or hardware. See if there is a firmware update and apply it.

if not it's under warranty. I'd insist they send it in for service. You'll lose it for 10 days but you might be able to force them into giving you a loaner from an open box return in the back.

It's not a virus, don't waste your time with that.

Long shot but you could try creating another user account and see if it persists under a different login. If problem goes away I'd suspect a third party app may be causing conflict.

Good luck