Windows XP Repair Installation

[Platypus]

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

Ho ho, if that were true, I wouldn't be here mending the darn thing!

[Platypus]

Zippy ?

(1) When Windows boot, explorer displays contents of a folder called "C:\Program Files\Microsoft" - any idea why? No entry for this in "Startup"

(2) Still no network card

ideas?

[Zippy]

Yeeessss. It's the getting it working thing.

Have rebuilt the little monster I am typing on twice (she's worth it - dual processor ) and both times the air turned blue. All going fine till I had to sort out the internet connection. Sigh ...

[Zippy]

(1) When Windows boot, explorer displays contents of a folder called "C:\Program Files\Microsoft" - any idea why? No entry for this in "Startup"

(2) Still no network card

ideas?

do you have a startup ini file?

Edit: what is the network card - anything exotic?

[Platypus]

do you have a startup ini file?

Edit: what is the network card - anything exotic?

Network card won't budge ! Grappling with it now

[Platypus]

It's a Chinese POS, Safecom SNIC 10100

I've found the drivers, but it seems odd that Windows doesn't see it at all

[Zippy]

It's a Chinese POS, Safecom SNIC 10100

I've found the drivers, but it seems odd that Windows doesn't see it at all

Yes. Odd. Reboot (of course you have )

So you've bunged on the drivers and still no one at home? Not being spotted in the Add Hardware dialog? Little sod.

Edit: am thinking

[Platypus]

Bum!

Restarted, Windows now sees the network card

But twice now, windows hangs shortly after restarting

Maybe it's the (new) network card

Running a Windows Memory Test in case the RAM is playing up.

Could be a long night

[Zippy]

Have you tried in safe mode?

Am attempting to find people/references who know more than me

[Zippy]

Err ... I know you don't want to think about this but - does it hang if network card isn't there?