The reason why I suggested running a check on the ram as it was put forth that the install was seeming botched a few times over.

Now that you mention you have a UK version, I would agree with Steve-O on the resolution.

If you're pc's time and time zone is off, it can send a few things down the tube until it is reset properly. You should also have issues with windows update until its properly set.

Yes I reset the cmos.. but I was fed up with it and installed Vista for now... When I pick up another hard drive I'll install it to that and try again, but for now I just needed something to work on.