Hardware

I had a similar issue with 2 different Dell's. The thing that fixed my issue was, After I reimaged it again, I loaded my USB controller driver first. A friend had suggested that to me. For me that did the trick.

Where did you get the idea that installing programs can be achieved while in Safe Mode?

Are you aware that when a computer boots to Safe Mode, the majority of the operating system including most of the system drivers has NOT been loaded and is not active in memory.

So, effectively some of the drivers that the installation routine will be relying on, WON'T be available.

Also, system driver modules should have been installed BEFORE adding Service Pack 3 to the mix.

I can only imagine what kind of operating system your machine has at the moment - whatever it is, it is NOT complete and that is why it is faltering.

I'd start again from scratch, leaving SP3 until you have every system driver installed and checked that it's working properly.

What do you think Safe Mode is?
Safe Mode does not permit "Windows Installer" to run.

Use your disk to start again, ensure there are no driver problems, however there should be no problems if you are using the factory disk.

To do this look in Device Manager for any conflicts.

Then Defrag your Computer a couple of times, Load SP2
Check for driver conflicts
Run Defrag couple of times again
Load SP3
Check for driver conflicts
Run Defrag couple of times again
Then Load your Printer Software
Check for driver updates
Then Load Office
Run Defrag couple of times again

Any queries post back

Jeff

thanks to all of you for your responses...

jimmy-jam...
thanks for the suggestion; i'll keep it in mind when i re-reimage the pc...

OldMycroft and ComputerCookie...
actually, i got the 'idea' from microsoft's own update center; it said that while it doesn't recommend installing sp2 in safe mode, it can be done, if that's the ONLY option (and it was the ONLY option when i installed sp2-the pc would freeze during normal boot)...

Jimmy-Jam, OldMycrost, and ComputerCookie,
i am going to take my time, and all of y'alls advice and 're-reimage' the pc again...

in preparation, i am going to print out this thread, and take my time and do this properly...

for now, the only question is have before i start, is what is the best site to download the system/hardware drivers from...would it be good old microsoft or would it be the computer manufacturer's site (by the way, it's a compaq presario 5310us)

once again, thanks for all your responses, help, and suggestions; i'll keep y'all posted...and i'll be back if i run into any problems!

-ehc