Hi Feynman,
I'm sorry my suggestions weren't helpful to you.
I would only add that my definition of a Windows install (on a non-new system) means that you told Windows to delete everything, re-format the hard drive, and do not keep prior user settings, documents, etc. This to me means a clean install of Windows --aside from installing it fresh on a brand new hard drive. I think a lot of people just install over the old and keep their documents, settings, etc. --so I want to clarify what I consider a fresh install of Windows.
This also, of course, means that you would have to backup or move all personal documents yourself (if locally kept) and temporarily return or port any software licenses on said computer, or de-activate the license for that computer, or, in some cases, simply lose an install --I so much prefer the return the license to the company's server and/or deactivate the license for said computer methods more
So, that being said, from my perspective, if someone had installed Windows on a non-new hard drive and attempted to keep their documents and prior settings, etc. those types of issues that you mention are present in a "new" install of Windows would be understandable --to me.
And, as well, this makes no mention of the host of issues that could be present around networked systems.
Anyway, again, my apologies for not being more helpful to you here.