Firstly, my restore function doesn't work--either in safe mode or normal--never has. If it did, I could probably fix the following problem. I will certainly fix restore after I deal with this current "disaster."

My system:
CPU: P4
XP with SP2 installed
2.0 Gig RAM

My Logitech optical mouse (not cordless) was giving me fits with IE7 (lots of known Logitech issues here). New drivers were suggested. I downloaded a new copy of Mouseware from Logitech. I do not know the exact model of my mouse because all that info is on the bottom and after years of use, it is all rubbed off--illegible. But Mouseware is Mouseware, right? (Dumb me). So I ran the mouseware installation and both my mouse and my Logitech keyboard froze (also not cordless). Rebooted. Mouse seemed to work ok but at my first keyboard keypress, the mouse pointer disappeared and the keyboard became completely unresponsive. Rebooted--same thing. So, I went into Safe mode and was able to do all of the following using the mouse. Device Manager had that evil big yellow exclaimation point by my keyboard info--said that the keyboard drivers were either corrupted or missing. I re-installed the drivers, first from Windows/system/drivers, then from SERVICEPACK FILES, then from my XP System Disk (the one that they don't give you anymore--but that's a different topic). None of these worked. So I completely uninstalled the drivers and re-installed them. Nope. Still the "missing or corrupted" message. So I went out and bought a new "standard" keyboard AND a new "plain vanilla" Belkin optical mouse. XP recognized both, including the new keyboard as a "standard" keyboard--no problem. However, upon the keyboard installation, XP claimed the THESE drivers were either missing or corrupted. Again, went through all of the same as above, obtaining and re-installing drivers from all three sources. A couple of times the system actually claimed successful installs and that I would have to reboot to make everything work, so I did, but nothing was fixed. So I changed my Bios (both keyboards worked in this menu!) to boot from the System CD. Pulled up the Recovery Console. I am not an expert with this tool, but I did do a CHKDSK and a fixmbr. Odd thing--RC reported a corrupted mbr and fixed it, but it didn't help my problem. While my system is generally unusable, I am typing this from my wife's smaller (and more problem free) system. It has full broadband download and will write to either floppy or CD-as soon as I download some burning software, so if a tool is available somewhere, maybe it will help.

I'm starting to suspect a registry problem rather than a driver problem. Other than running some safe registry repair software, I don't feel competent in fiddling with the registry. Your suggestions would be welcome. I don't remember the last time I was unable to fix a computer problem. I guess I'm getting old. (I am!)
Thank you in advance
Garry DeLong

Hello Old Salt

To my mind you still have a boat load of corrupted Logitech files kicking around in the system.
You could run a search and delete them then try re-plugging the k/board and mouse back in and see if XP's driver database will find them.
I assume they are USB if so check your usb controller for those items.
I personally would re-install XP but of course that's up to you Garry.

Both keyboards are indeed USB but have been plugged into the keyboard port via an adapter. Hmmmm. Odd, but I've also been having lots of problems with my USB hubs for the past several days, even before the Logitech fiasco. I have 4 hubs about 20 USB devices hooked into my system including 4 external drives. OK, so I'll boot into C: using the system disk and then delete the entire logitech directory (my system came loaded with the Logitech software but no CD). If that doesn't work, I'll re-install XP using the Repair option. This will be the second time in the last four years that I've had to re-install XP from the XP system disk. I'm wondering if there is any way that I will be able to get a system disk (or make one) when I get my Vista power machine next year.

To run this backwards a bit Old Salt, You won't be able to use your XP disk on the new system as it's illegal unless you have a volume license.
The XP disk IS the system disk as it has all boot files etc on it and a pretty good database of drivers.
Are these 4 hubs powered via the mains because if not they will be sucking the guts out of your system?

OK, if I understand you correctly, each hub should be connected to one of the original usb female plugs installed in the computer, right? Should I use Firewire when I can, rather than USB, to relieve some of the strain? Each USB hub and connected device has its own power supply, but maybe that's not the point. How many devices can I connect in this way? I'm a digital stock still and video photographer and I use lots of computer add-ons. Perhaps I need an additional computer networked to the original, yes? If that had been so, I probably wouldn't have lost any data. The wive's computer shares the same cable modem connection but is otherwise not networked.

BTW, I just re-installed XP from that hologrammed cd (which I was mistakenly calling the "system disk"), and you were exactly right--that's what it took to fix things. I was able to use the XP disk but activation was an extreme hassle--and they gave me a new activation key to type in. Maybe this is the one I'll have to disgorge next time this wretched thing happens. Anyway, I took screen photos. All of "My Documents" are gone--mostly Winword files which were mostly backed up. I don't think I'll have to go back and re-shoot anything. I've always been suspicious of their insipid "My xxxx" and didn't store alot in those places. My password files may be completely gone, as I think the data file was stored somewhere in C:/windows. A new rule for myself: NEVER store any documents or data files of any value in the "Windows" subdirectory including in "My Documents." Well, at least my keyboard works again, but the fun is just beginning. All my start-ups will have to be assigned again and I will try to find a decent utility for doing this, other than re-installing the software. Also, I can no longer connect to the internet with my cable modem. This computer is still connected but the "automatic" connection feature of XP says it can't find a signal even though my Syslink router is plugged securely into the Ethernet port in the back of the computer--and it was working before. The "name" of the computer is different now, so maybe that's the problem. The computer that I'm typing on now is the WIRELESS one--hopefully, it will stay connected until I can email my agency and explain why those video clips are not done and uploaded yet.

You've been very helpful and I am exceedingly greatful. If you have any suggestions concerning the above remaining issues, please reply further.
Garry DeLong

Glad to hear you have at least got some issues resolved.

USB:
Things that can be attached via USB without mains power could be Keyboards, Mice, Digital cameras and even printers as they (printers) have their own power supply.
Power sucking devices can be external hard disk drives, cdroms, floppy drives etc.
Ok the voltage is minimal but if you can power them from the mains why not?

Backing Up:
I would recommend obtaining an extra hard drive, installing that and back your stuff up to that. I would also back up stuff to cd/dvd rom or rw disks then, should your main hdd go down you will not have lost all your things.

Net issues:
You may have to reinstall the driver/s for the router but I have to say routers are not my specialised subject, if anyone reading can help on this I would be grateful.

Glad to have helped Old Salt.

Thanks very much. I'll post my further problems in the appropriate area. I'm so discouraged right now, if I could do my work without it, I'd never touch another computer.
Garry DeLong