Well, it appears that I cannot stay away from problems with these computers. I usually try my luck at it first, and if I am stumped, then you guys usually come to my rescue ;). Well, here's the problem. My friends computer would boot to the Windows XP splash screen, and then automatically restart every time. I diagnosed this with a power supply problem, but then I tried booting to safe mode, and it would boot and everything worked fine. So then I did a system resotre to an earlier date when it was working, and now it will boot to normal mode, but no mouse or keyboard. I can use the keyboard in the BIOS and in the F8 screen, but when it boots up to the desktop, neither work. I have done some reasearch, and I haven't found anybody really sure on what is happening. Apparently it isn't the PS/2 ports, because the keyboard works fine in those two selection screens. I thought it might be the drivers, but I can't use the keyboard and mouse to uninstall and replace the drivers. Your help would be tremendously appreciated.

Boot to safe mode, Goto Windows Explorer-C:-File-New-Folder and name it I386. Using the XPcd copy all the files from I386 folder to the folder you created on the hard drive. Close when done. Now goto Start and type: sfc /scannow.

For most keyboards and mice no special drivers are needed. I will start with the most basic and often overlooked cause, i.e. Port Reversal or loose contact! In the hurry to finish the hardware job, could you have switched the PS/2 Ports for Mouse and KBD making them disabled!

Well, it wouldn't be that bad if I had control of the mouse and/or keyboard in safe mode, but I don't, so it makes it that much more confusing. And to answer your question maadhurimn, I checked the ports, and they appeared to be fine as the keyboard and mouse are both color coordinated. Any suggestions?

Bryan Parker, I apologize for missing the part you have clearly mentioned about the Mouse and KBD working both during Boot up to enter BIOS setup and in Safe Mode. Justme had a good idea, but if that has failed, my suggestion is to Boot with WinXP CD as if you are going to make a new Install during which Windows would give you a chance to repair; try if that works , otherwise Reinstall is the only option I can think of as the hardware including Mobo seems OK from your data. Sorry for the belated response. I was out of town and just returned and checked the Forum to see if you had fixed the problem and if so how.