Windows XP Repair Installation

[Platypus]

I'm doing a Windows Repair install on a neighbour's computer - or am I ?

I've forgotten if I selected a repair install or a new install - gulp

I'll know in two minutes whether I've fixed the PC or bolloxed it !

[Zippy]

I'm doing a Windows Repair install on a neighbour's computer - or am I ?

I've forgotten if I selected a repair install or a new install - gulp

I'll know in two minutes whether I've fixed the PC or bolloxed it !

And ...?

[Platypus]

Phew !

[Zippy]

That was nearly an hour.

[Platypus]

Time to complete install = 2 minutes

Plus 5 minutes to reboot

Plus 10 minutes to "set up windows"

(realises doesn't know user's password)

Plus 10 minutes to boot Linux and delete the user password

Plus 5 minutes to reboot again

Plus 10 minutes to activate windows

Plus 5 more minutes for windows to actually start

(phew, all looks ok, but network not working)

10 minutes messing trying to get network card recognised

(decides to install SP2)

[Zippy]

Windows network not working?

[Platypus]

Network card installed but Windows can't see it, not even as in "I can see it but I have no driver"

So will try SP2 as that recognises more HW out of the box (the repair install was back to SP1

If not will take box to bits, remove card, discover model, put card back, find and install drivers, cross fingers.

If that works, install SP3, toss box back over fence, hope never to hear from neighbour again

EDIT: why oh why do I get involved? Neighbour isn't even do-able !

[Zippy]

SP2 is good. Get it working then throw caution to the winds and go for futher SPs/patches.

This is a wonderful resource. You probably know about it already but I bought the XP book, so if it all goes tits up let me know and I'll look it up for you ...

[Platypus]

Ta Zippy

Sp2 says it's "Finishing Installation"

So in another 5-30 mins I'll know if the network card is visible.

I do so hope it is, I'm a bit sick of this now.

AND there are no saucy pics on the machine

[Zippy]

It's a tricky bitch, but once it is working it tends to stay that way.
Keep the faith!