I had a corrupt Windows XP install in relation to DirectX drivers and such. A repair install is the way to go, since all your prior applications aren't effected. However, partway through the install, I had a CD read error... and I never could get through the install due to random read errors. I troubleshooted it down to this... if your Windows XP install is too far gone, then the installer can't complete and it will show this by claiming CD read errors. Find this far fetched? I did a clean install with that same CD... no read errors, no problems, and a fast install. (note... why does the smilies NOT work? I suppose the forum still has a glitch or two...) So, while the repair install is nice, plan for the worst case scenario, which is a failed install and a forced clean install. The extra preparation won't harm you (other than it will take a bit more time) and at the very least it might save you a ton of hassle... (another note... YES, I did type this in paragraphs... the forum is reformatting this into one paragraph... GRRR)