I'm having a similar prob, but with a "twist": when I click on either Express or Custom, the system just slowly grinds to a halt. For 10 secs or so, I can access the Start menu, Avast spins it's icon a few times, and the LAN icons flicker, then all is dead. Caps lock still works, so system is not completely NBG, but can't Alt-Ctrl-Del to get Task Manager. I've tried going "back" to standard Windows Update - same deal. Can get downloads thru auto update, but hardly a good look! (and what about optional stuff?). Am using AMD Dual Core 3800 X2, 1GB DDR 400 RAM, 120GB SATA II HDD and Foxconn motherboard (NF4UK8AA-8EKRS). All components either brand new or within 6 months old. Suggestions? Have already reformatted and reloaded twice today... to be sure...