Safe mode utilizes "default" system drivers and services. So if it loads alright that way, then odds are that Rossco's advice will cure your system's ailments.


However, since "safe mode" also utilizes the built-in "administrator" account, I am more preferrable to using that to back-up any files your parents feel are important then wiping the drive and reformatting anyway. Just the way I am. I do not care to have any "lingering" or junk files around that often tend to occur even after a system is "fixed".