The first time this had happened it was right outside of rivet city. I was in a fight with some talon company mercs and then it froze. The game would stop and whatever noise that was going on at the time would pause and then start up but repeatadly like lets say a combat shotgun was shooting at the time.... the sound of the "bang" would go on continuously until i turn off the console. it would happen whenever i fight talon company mercs, you gui (can't spell), super mutant behemonths, those green glowing gouls from broken steel, and once in a while death claws. It is very annoying and one time it happened and it corrupted all my saves and i lost everything........ mothership zeta saves, broken steel, original game, operation anchorage, weapons and armor, the pitt saves, EVERYTHING FALLOUT. I had to redownload my add-ons and start a new game.... any idea how i can stop this before it happens again?

I am having a very similar problem, except mine freezes... whenever, even if i am not in a fight it still freezes, But, have you completed the waters of life quest on your new save, if so... then i don't know,