windows repair install - option not given

[sentofuno]

once in a while when trying to repair windows (be it XP, 2003, whatever) after hardware swaps, the installation is found but the option to repair is not given. i have never found out why, or narrowed it down to anything. it seems to be unrelated to whether its IDE or SATA/SCSI, or if its related to the disk being basic or dynamic, or RAIDed..

the hardware in most cases tests 100% fine. does anyone have any ideas why some give the option and some don't? at the moment i am looking at a server that HAS REPAIRED once already during tests, but in further tests the option is not given. could it be something as simple as using the original install cd after the OS has had a service pack update not included on the original cd?



anything that could help pin it down would be appreciated. google searches have found nothing but other ppl having the same issue. thanks in advance.