Tab selection won't work

[opaper]

Hi,
I’m working on a Compaq Presario EZ2605 using Win98SE that was shutting down all but the fans. Without getting in to all that mess, I am just about to finish a format/restore and I can’t tab down to the “Next” or “Register Later” radio button. It went through the two previous like pages fine, but (the buttons and bullets worked) at this page the selection loops without highlighting the next or back buttons. It also will not load the USB mouse driver, which it had done the first time. This time around I had to employ a greater format/restoration disk because the simple restore disk did not solve the problem. I know it selects with the tab and arrow keys having done it on the previous pages. Anyone ever had this specific problem to deal with before? I am enclosing an image of the page for a better understanding.

[PCBruiser]

I've had that problem in the past. IIRC, I think I solved it by using <ctrl><tab> or <alt><tab> combos. If that doesn't do it, can you try a different keyboard? If the current one is USB, try a PS2 one for example. Also, some keyboards have problems from time to time with the installer - I found that some Logitechs with a lot of optional keys have problems, others don't for some reason. I think the reason is that not everything in the system drivers are completely working at that point in the install, and only really simple plain vanilla devices ones will do all they are supposed to do.

[opaper]

Hi PCBruiser,
I am still working on this problem thanks for the welcomed advice. I will return with a condensed version of a long and drawn out issue in consumer ignorance and Compaq hell.

[opaper]

I tried booting to safe mode and was surprisingly able to. I looked in MSconfig in Startup for startup registration files to disable. I didn’t see any. I then booted to Normal and went into windows (which is what I was trying to do) without the registration screen only a registration icon on the desktop, which I deleted. This system had already been registered before and I was working on a shutdown problem. However if I wasn’t able to boot to safe mode the situation would have stayed the same with the restoration disk as far as I know, even though I have no idea what I did there. A fix was provided to me by HP, which owns Compaq now. Their fix eventually brought me back to the same looping screen with no tab-out, by any combination of keys, but I am grateful to them for offering it. I will provide their fix for those who may need to try it. The Compaq manual that came with the PC that I was given only instructed putting the restore CD in the player. I will not be getting into Consumer ignorance and Compaq hell as promised, sorry, have a nice day.

From HP:
1. Insert the QuickRestore CD into the CD drive and restart the system.
2. When the red Compaq logo appears, press and hold the Caps Lock key. Next screen will be a blinking QuickRestore screen.
3. When the QuickRestore text stops blinking, press and hold the Num Lock key.
4. On the next screen, release the Num Lock key, select a language, and press Enter.
5. Immediately press Ctrl + Q keys.
6. Select the model number and press Enter.

NOTE: If the model number does not appear then press the Ctrl + Q key again.
7. Follow the onscreen instructions.

The FullRestore process should start on the computer.

If the system prompts for a product key, please provide either of the below mentioned keys. [I would have tried the product key that was on the PC first]

XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX.