Nate,
I decided to give Vista another try to be able to answer your questions. It worked--thanks to my patience! While I didn't watch the clock, I'll bet it took 5-10 mins. It sat at the "curtains" stage for a LONG time; then each initializing/loading process took a long time, as well. But it did what it's supposed to do.
I DID go ahead and activate SP3. Since I had already downloaded the ISO trial version (the more complete one) before I purchased, can I assume HIR works, now that' I've activated? I wasn't sure, since I made the disk a week or so before I activated. If HIR shows up as a hotlink on the screen, can I assume it works?
Phil