hmm.. really carp?
yes its resource hogging .. and has a lot of background files running but u just need to know what to do to make it go away..
1) it does reformatt...put the cd in the cd drive n options will come up
2) i run xp on 128mb ram of which only 70-90 i used during normal use by xp...if i disable themes i knock off another 10mb
goto google ..and look up blackviper.com
get his service reggy's modify the "safe" to ur needs
3) goto run & type "msconfig" n stop and background services under startup
4) stay uptodate with latest drivers n updates (i only use service packs and haven't had much problems
5) sytems restore is bugged i hate it to ..my last install gives me a blank screen when i try open sys restore
hence y u should backup preferably to cd or another hd
