yeah i'll mention that,Well to do that I'd say your first step should be upgrading the ram.
Is numlock on? If so switch it off and try the keys again.
shud i just back up outlook, reinstall vista? she shudn't even notice? or
or shud i back outlook and just re install using xp?
I, personally, would never reinstall an OS without consulting the owner. If the computer will run much faster with it reinstalled definitely push that fact. Back up everything, and let her know none of her important documents will be lost. I would definitely put XP on it, if the owner is OK with it.
The windows seven advisor only cares about the hardware. Your hardware will run it fine, but there's no drivers. So it'd fail.