thanx for all the links guys....so far i've used a produckt key i found to do the install and have turned off the updates. i wasnt sure you could even do an installation without putting in a cd key....wouldnt the "next" button simply not appear until you put in a key?

I mite try to find that pre activated version DS posted to save myself the hassle of reading thru techno gibberish and downloading various cracks and loaders.

im really dreading doing it all over again though.....maybe i can just leave the updates off and be done with it. I mean, the comp is for my parents mainly and they really dont need much except internet access.