>> What's the best way to obtain a new (to me) 'clean' desktop PC with XP?
>>
>> I want one to run my CNC milling machine and design software. It won't be
>> connected to the internet, just stand alone.
You'll need to connect it to the internet at some point to get all the fixes on to make your CNC milling machine and design software work.
It shouldn't need connecting to the net, as the machine runs off it's own PCI card/driver, and the software updates are sent on a CD, just like the good ol' days.
>> It shouldn't need connecting to the net, as the machine runs off it's own PCI
>> card/driver, and the software updates are sent on a CD, just like the good ol'
>> days.
Not the Microsoft ones they aint. And unless your PC comes with SP3 (it wont) it will need them.