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I think what y'all are talking about here is something that long-time Microsoft OS users have known for years: It's one thing to buy a new system with the new OS already installed........or to start from scratch with a "clean" install............but it can be a WHOLE different can of worms to upgrade to a later Microsoft OS. I've upgraded from 95 to 98, ME to 2000, 98 to 2000, etc., etc. Rarely goes smoothly. I work at.....um........let's just say a very large, Fortune 10 computer company, OK? :) Our rule of thumb: forget OS upgrades. If you're going to try a new OS, start from absolute scratch. Backup the files you want to keep, wipe that drive clean, and start with the new OS from the beginning with a "clean" install. HUGE pain, but that's about the only way to better ensure a decent running system. I'm a bit more daring with my own systems, but that rule of thumb at work is actually pretty sound advice.

I think that is great advice. Just start from scratch.

Any one who is having problems with their Windows operating system should go and buy Windows XP and install it from scratch on their hard drive.

I am glad I did!

Our rule of thumb: forget OS upgrades. If you're going to try a new OS, start from absolute scratch.

Well, that may be your practice but it is hardly recommended for all users. I would recommend that users backup all their critical data and try an upgrade first. If that fails, try to the pave and reinstall approach.