Well that didn't take long.  Updated video drivers didn't correct.

Because the problem is in a specific area (possibly a common control) and the rest of the screen is not affected makes me think that area needs to be investigated.

Does anyone know if the text editing area is a common "thing" (how about that technical term) that would be used my Word, Excel, SQL Mgmt Studio, and Outlook?

What would be a good way to investigate that "thing"?