Question about XP!

You're probably missing a whole shitload of drivers for the hardware in your box, maybe even a driver for your NIC (which would explain the lack of internet). Compile a list of all the hardware in your box, and use someone else's PC to download a complete up-to-date driver set you can then load onto your custom PC.

This was the case when I reinstalled XP Pro onto a Dell Inspiron laptop. I had to go back after installation and load the other drivers for onboard sound, video, networking, wireless, bluetooth, etc. Pain in the ass.

Once you get all the drivers together, it might be a good idea to create a slipstream installtion disc to avoid this headache in the future.

Jam it back in, in the dark.