When I have Sonar open and launch IE it causes an audio dropout in Sonar. I have to turn the interface off and back on.
 
The audio is set to take exclusive control.

Have you tried these settings in Windows>Sounds?
 

is it the same with other browsers or just ie? which version ie?

@BobF: Yes, tried all settings there.
 
@pwalpwal: IE and Chrome.
 
Opening the browsers with Google as start page is OK. Opening craigslist page is OK. Opening a Cakewalk page or any other page like that while Sonar is playing causes the dropout where I have to close everything and cycle the interface power.
 
This is on a Windows 7 x64 laptop and I don't ever remember having this issue before.

not sure if this going to help but its worth a try, in Preferences (In Sonar )
Try checking "Share drivers with other devices" I believe this is what the setting is.

Thanks Chuck. Already checked. Also have "Play Sounds in Webpages" unchecked in IE.