I have the same problem, and Dboy, no matter how many times you've said this, it has nothing to do with Vista.
I have an Intel Chipset 945GM, and the issue's called text corruption.
It bounces all over the screen, doesn't stay in the boxes, generally makes the game unplayable. I fixed the issue by rolling back my driver, and adding a few changes to the freelancer video compatibility ini files. But I reformatted, and forgot how to fix it, as it was a year ago. Let me check TLR, a few websites, and get back to you.
I am a long-absent Supreme Commander, Executive Commander, Grand Admiral, Fleet Admiral, and Captain in the mighty Hellfire Legion. I have returned, and am on an urgent mission from Drake Thastus to return the Legion to its former glory, and to claim the galaxy for its own. Only then will I be able to rest.
RP Story (Still deciding whether or not to finish)