I just got off the phone from Darren a few minutes ago, after he called regarding the status of his PC. Although Knoppix 3.2 didn't work on his system, apparently with Knoppix 3.9 he once again has access to the internet from home (apparently stuff like his sound card is now also working so he can listen to his MP3 collection once again).
Unfortunately while Linux worked, Windows still isn't cooperating. (That includes both the Windows XP install CD for a reinstallation, and also BartPE). Apparently it seems to be dying when it attempts to detect / configure the hardware.