WIN ME Only Start In Safe Mode

User tried installing HP scanner. Now when log into ME at the Network Login prompt he can’t use his mouse. So the scanner probably took IRQ 12. I’m trying to solve this over the phone so I asked the user to Press ‘ESC’ at the network password screen, no luck. Tried ‘TAB’ couldn’t tab to cancel. So now I think neither the keyboard or mouse is working – user is pretty intelligent. So I go into safe mode, device manager and have him remove all references of the scanner (scanner has also been disconnected)… still no go. Any other ideas?