can not reboot bad files?

[momto3young]

The desktop I have is a Toshiba Infinia. I have lost the ability to access my mouse. I want to reboot to a fresh start as I can not uncheck the "disable" box on my device manager. I cannot reboot because I have an error on all copies of my config.sys file and another apparently important file taisp... somethings. Starting in safe mode just confirms that it can not detect the darn mouse. Help! This has been driving me crazy for over a week. How can I restore settings from a time when this thing worked. (I am using my laptop to do this.)

[jdc2000]

If I understand what has happened, you are saying that Device Manager shows the Mouse as Disabled? If that is the case, you can use the keyboard to uncheck the Disabled check box. Just use the Tab key to move between fields, and, when the check box in question is either highlighted or selected (surrounded by an outline), use the Space bar to check/uncheck it.

[momto3young]

I figured the space bar command out yesterday, after buying a USB mouse to try out that avenue. Space bar solved that problem, but can not use my USB port. Sigh. New mouse came with a ps/2 adaptor, so I can use it.

Main problem now is that I still can not reboot (wipe the hard drive and start over) kind. Not as necessary now, but would like to have that ability.

Anyone know of a really cheap Windows 98 out there?

[jdc2000]

When you say you cannot reboot, exactly what happens when you try this. If you post the exact text of any error messages you receive, that would be helpful. CONFIG.SYS lines that produce errors can be commented out or fixed. A more detailed description of the remaining problem would also be helpful.

[momto3young]

I have tried using the companion disk type of set up. I have tried using the Recovery disk. I am going to try to hook the computer up to the internet and then see if I can access an online diagnostic. What I really want to do is upgrade (cheaply) to 98 so I can get my kid's games off of my computer and buy myself some time to buy another new computer when they are all a little older. I will repost with specifics when this next tactic is sure to fail.

Morosely yours, momto3young

[jdc2000]

If you are trying to wipe the hard drive and re-install Windows, what sort of error messages or problems are you having? Any additional info would be useful in trying to determine why the re-installation of Windows is failing.