[yorobbie]

I've been trying to get a friends new system built and running this weekend and I'm having some issues and questions. The parts being used are a ABIT AN-8, XP3000, 2 Seagate 7200.8's, 2x512XMS TwinX, X600AIW, and Creative modem.
First some basic questions;
1-If I'm not using the HD's in RAID, do I still install the NVRAID drivers or the NV mass storage controller drivers?
2-NV Network Management software(firewall/anti-hack) Use it or skip it?
3-Cool & Quiet, Good or don't need it?
4-Dual Channel, Does this board support it? What dimms do I need to use?
Now for the issues I've already had this weekend.
Day 1- I have XP w/SP2 loaded and running, hook it up to my internet and go to windows update. Choose all critical updates, all optional except the HighMAT CD thing. 3 hardware updates available, ATI WDM's(I stay away from those because I'm having issues on my own system about those), monitor inf, and modem drivers. Even though I saw more than a few nightmare stories about using Creative modem drivers, I figure since Widows update is offering them they're OK. I was probably wrong, since after update finishes and reboots I got nothing but BSOD's on all boot attempts exept in SafeMode. So I gave up, reformated and started over today.
Day 2-Windows in again, up and running, before going to update, I install Office XP(except for Outlook). This time at Windows update, I leave the hardware options completely alone. Update, reboot, and at first I'm stuck in a endless reboot cycle, finally choose boot using last known good config, and get in but instead of going staight to single user side I have to choose user, then when it loads I see the taskbar and icons for a few seconds then they disappear. Safe mode works still so I go in and fiind another user created ASP.net something or other, I delete that user account. Try regular user side again, still no icons or anything. I give up again and reformat. I'll try again tommorrow and would like to have everyones advice first, so maybe the third time will be the charm.