You may make use of VistaPE (http://vistape.net/) and add your tools, if you know how to make scripts out of applications. There are integrated tools, tough. Some still not working as they should, but getting there.
I didn’t mean and don’t want to hurt your feelings, but as I’ve already said, I don’t think your original post was a “simple solution” for “novice and helpless” users, and my own recommended tools are different. I sincerely hope you benefited from the responses.
We are all entitled to our own personal opinions, of course, and if you want to post your own personal advice without any commentary, then I suggest you call it “James’ advice”, and see if a Moderator will close it for you. Others could do the same.
I personally think a wiki might be a good way to go, with sections for different levels of users and different issues, and participants here earning the right to edit it.
Windows XP “downgrade” CD should be free or cheap, but that depends on your vendor, and the only way to know for sure is to ask.
I’d be happy to help you slipstream your existing CD. Start by (a) copying it to a hard disk folder and (b) downloading the network install version of SP1a or SP2. (I don’t see any mention of compatibility with SP3, so I wouldn’t use it.)