WinME & AOL download crashes systems!

[FireWired]

I have two clients who experienced the exact same problem in the past two weeks. Both are running WinME. Problems started when AOL started a forced download ("upgrade"), then tries to re-boot. The result is a crashed OS which won't even read a restore point from safe mode. The first client decided to buy a new machine with XP on it (good choice!).
Second client's machine...we re-installed WinME just fine; during the installation, the mouse worked fine. Once the installation completed however, the mouse does not function & there is no cursor! Several different mice tried...same results. SUGGESTIONS WHAT TO DO NEXT?

 

[wolluf]

Clean reinstall or on top of old?
PS/2 mouse? (have you tried USB or old serial mouse - would eliminate or incriminate PS/2 port, if that's how mouse is connected)

 

[FireWired]

Client has done a reinstall on top of older files. Have tried several diff. kinds of mice, no difference. What is significant here is that if the rig goes to safe mode or the install process, the mouse works during that period!

 

[mattjurado]

In safe mode, expand the mouse section in device manager, remove all entries and reboot.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.