When the beta was first released to subscribers, I had similar problems to those that have install/upgrade problems. I wonder if the sequence of downloading has anything to do with it. The reason I ask myself this is because, when I did do an OS re-install recently as many who have problems, when it came to OD I used the SDC to do it. I downloaded and installed ONE at a time, first 4.6, then the skins and extras, THEN the beta 5. I had tried it three times and would get classic skin only, until I did it this way. I had read some threads that stated the beta had problems with making itself known to the SDC program that indeed an upgrade was installed. I stated in another thread that I wondered what the commonality was, I meant other than it being Windowblinds. Most of these problem threads include re-installing XP SP2. I know that some, like me, tweak things to get more out their systems, and sometimes don't install all of the OS. Anymore when installing or re-installing, I will elect to install the FULL installable version, then turn services/modules etc off as I don't need them according to what other software I might run. Example being you need workstation service running if you use a VPN to connect to the internet-dependencies is what I think I am getting to.
I don't have extensive knowledge of coding or programming, so excuse me of that.