Installing Windows XP...

My primary home file server PC recently died, so I build up a Shuttle SN68SG2 bare-bones PC to replace it. Then I got out the original installation discs for the Windows XP that had been on the deceased machine, and installed it on the new box. Just for grins, I kept track of how many times I had to reboot during the Windows XP installation. The sequence was as follows:

- Formatted the new hard drive, then copied the Windows files to it, then rebooted.
- Installed Windows, rebooted.
- Configured Windows, rebooted.
- Installed motherboard drivers, rebooted.
- Installed Windows Updater, rebooted.
- Installed Service Pack 2, rebooted.
- Installed Service Pack 3, rebooted.
- Installed the next 16 windows updates, including IE 7, rebooted.
- Installed PowerDVD software that came with DVD drive, rebooted.
- Updated Optical Drive Firmware, powered down, then rebooted.
- Installed Nero disc burning software that came with the DVD drive, rebooted.
- Installed McAfee Security Center, rebooted.

So 12 reboots to get the machine to a more or less usable point... Hmmm.