drdoom,

My post isn't about what OS to install, just a post to let you know how I handled screwy users who ruined installs...

My cousins kids did this over and over again, finally, with the last complete redo I separated myself from support and told them I will no longer help, next time they will have to go to a shop and pay...They completely ignored antiviri warnings because it was screwing with their illegal digital downloading (vids and music mostly), actually, they even admitted they disabled the antivirus because it was annoying them...this happened again and again, even with stern warnings...

Four complete OS reinstalls and extra loadups, each time I tried to fix without install, the unit had so many viri it was totally impossible, much like your experience...I know I don't have to tell you the hours involved (support for relatives in my world means FREE)...

They probably have brought the unit to its knees again by now, but I haven't heard from them (bliss)...

In my case, no girlfriend was involved, YMMYV...

Tough love...

Laterzzzz......