SilverWook said:

The recovery option is there. If I roll it back to factory specs, won't I be stuck downloading every XP update and patch that's come down the pike? Had to spend a couple hours updating the old tower PC that had been sitting idle for several months. I don't even want to think how long six years of updates would take!

It wouldn't take long (few hours at most). However if you manage to find (not buy) a windows disc it would be more up to date.

There's a "Windows Vista Compatible" sticker on the case. Maybe I could upgrade?

Dear God no! If you want to upgrade, upgrade to Windows 7. Vista was complete garbage a bit of a resource hog. If your PC can handle Vista it will handle Win7 just as well.

Again, I can point you in the right direction if you want a cheaper *cough, cough free* option than buying a disc. ;)