I'd just like to note that in Windows 7, the same TYPE of issue occurs, but it's even worse.
It doesn't break programs like games or iTunes by causing you to restart the program, but it changes the volume levels, viewable in the windows audio mixer.
It seems to permanently screw up the volume, since windows sounds play very softly, and if I test the volume level repeatedly, I can hear the louder volume sometimes.
Also it's nice to see that this bug is now official, seeing as I first reported it back in late may:
Warning: Do not install Windows Vista SP2