one of those projects

It was a simple idea. Gather together some spare computer parts and frankenstei/build a sandbox to try out Windows programs on without putting the PVR at risk. What it turned out to be was a two day headache as an amazing array of failure was presented. Nearly every bit of hardware was replaced at some point:

3 Motherboards
3 Processors
10 RAM sticks
4 Video cards
2 Sound cards
2 Power supplies
2 Cases
2 Keyboards
2 IDE cable sets
3 Heat sinks + fans
3 XP discs

After finally getting a configuration that would POST every time, XP would freeze during the install. Trying of different discs and keyboards eventually lead to the discovery that it was just too hot in the case. This lead to the heat sink swapping the next day. Much hardware and support time provided by the one and only Ze "no blog" Jackal, second case and some hardware provided by Peter and some help with boot disc software and moral support given by Trog

Many Thanks to you all.

If it hadn't been for the chinese food smorgasboard dinner, I think we would have carked it.