Windows 98 lock up went restarting after installing mouse

[radar_1_2000]

I recently bought a new Microsoft IntelliPoint Mouse. mechanical ball type, around $30. I plugged it in and started my older computer, a 166 Pentium. Only a serial port is available so using the attached adapter.
I got into Windows 98 and it was working, only didn't seem to want to drag anything. So I decided to install the software on the CD that came with it. After I did that, it did the typical please restart your computer now, so I did. When it got to the Windows 98 screen it stops. If I hit ESC, it goes to the DOS screen saying "Updating Your Configuration, this may take several minutes" I gave it up to ten minutes, I don't hear a sound like the computer is working. Did several resets and still locking up on the screen?
Any ideas? Recently installed W98 over W95, but had everything working fine until installing this new mouse?
By the way, I haven't installed the software for the same type of mouse on my new computer, but mouse is working fine.......not going to mess with it.

[MadMax]

Is this a PS/2 mouse with a serial adaptor? I've had machines that didn't like anything but serial connections
Have you tried booting in safe mode?

[radar_1_2000]

That shouldn't be the problem, I've used a couple mice before that were P/S2 with an adapter. Plus, the first time I started the computer, the new mouse was working.
Haven't tried booting in safe mode, but not real comfotable messing with that yet. I just built my first new computer, and I'm more familiar with it than this 4 year old model I'm having problems with. I'm trying to set it up for my parents to use to surf the net.
I actually think I'm going to reformat the drive and start fresh unless I can find an easy solution. Nothing is on it that I'm that worried about losing. I just want it to be trouble free for my parents.
What should happen if I reboot in "safe mode". Can I do that with an older computer? I've only browsed through the Bios on this board once. Is that where you choose to boot in safe mode?

I'm still learning the basics........

Thanks

[glc]

no - start tapping F8 when it's booting - you will get a boot menu. Choose safe mode. This starts Windows with *no* drivers and the mouse should be smooth as silk. If so, uninstall all the M$ mouse software and switch to the standard serial mouse driver. You can do that in safe mode. The wheel will work in "wheel enabled" software without the mouse software installed.

[radar_1_2000]

Thanks,
I will try safe booting like you said. I knew of safe booting, but I didn't know you had to hit F8 while booting up to get there. Nice to know that.

[radar_1_2000]

I booted in safe mode and it worked. I deleted an old mouse device that was still in device manager, then reset and everything worked fine.

Thanks for your help!!!

Radar