my daughters XP machine updated automatically the other night, after the restart it showed the desktop picture but no icons.

all other machines updated no problem.

I went on the machine still the same even tried in safe mode no joy.

tried a repair instalation and it kept telling me it couldn't find files on the XP disc, it wanted to activate straight away, I wouldn't do that as it had files missing.

I have a few legal copies of the XP disc so tried the others but still the same problem couldn't find files.

last night I decided I would order her a new motherboard chip and fan (coming on Thursday)

today messing about put a knoppix live CD in and run it no problem, formatted the drive installed XP it went in no problem and gives me 30 days to activate.

sods law I could have saved some money

look on the bright side I have a nice new case coming, wife will have my case and daughter will have wifes case

just as well I've the laptop as well in case of problems