Things I learnt today:

• Do not run Windows Update’s Service Pack Express over a 802.11b network. Too darn slow and connections can get flaky.
• Trust MS’ Service Pack QA levels and switch off WinXP System Restore before you apply service packs, or be prepared to spend ages waiting for the Service Pack to install. Ditto for downloading almost anything from Windows Update — each hotfix causes a System Restore Point to get created.