I'd like to see Microsoft get away from integrating the browswer into the O/S, which is directly causing this problem. On the other hand, Win2K is over 5 years old, and basically no vendor provides free support for operating systems that long in the tooth. The fact that it is that old yet still a reliable O/S for many is more of a plus than a minus.
I dont know what the solution is but waiting 4 years to replace a desktop o sit not it. If 2003 was not just a server edition (I may be wrong but I have never seek 2k3 'professional') than maybe you have a good 2.5 year break point..