hello, i am trying to install XP on an old laptop i got for free. it had xp running before, but i had to wipe the drive clean.  i believe malware was the problem with the comp not ever booting, but i wiped it clean and am trying to reinstall XP.  this is where the problem comes in.  My mouse pad is not working and i can not click agree on the license agreement.  i am able to click next and stuff, but at this license agreement part i can not click agree.

so if anyone knows the cause , and/or how to fix it post
OR
if you know how to check a box in the agreement using just the keyboard i might be able to sign in and try to download a driver for it. ( i think thats possible)

i have tried using a USB mouse and no luck.  any help is appreciated, thnx in advance! =) How did you erase the hard drive did you purge it?well first i used Killdisk, then i used recovery disk.He used the keyboard. At some point you have to point and click the mouse. But you can use the TAB and the ALT keys. You can select a radio button by tabbing the tab key until you see a change on the button and then hit the space bar. Or something like that. Or the ALt key and the cursor arrows.thanks a bunch Geek-9pm, i can PROCEED with the installation now, just a QUESTION tho. I do have do install a driver for it or something now right? or is the thing just busted?No, it is documented. Sorry, I forgot the link.

You can tap Alt-0Ctrl-Del to close a dialog that does not have a cancel.
Or close it with the ask manager. Also Alt f$ may work to close a box.
Hit the letter N for next. B for Back.
Alt-space will bring up a little menu. Anthe Windows logo key brings up Start, if available. The tab key cycles choices.  Esc somethings works. The space bar can select or unselect something. Arrow keys more up and down in selections.

The is a urban legend that Bill Gates does not use a mouse.

I just installed Windows XP with no mouse.
Had to use Alt-Ctrl-Del once to close a box.
If you are wondering about all the keyboard commands that the PREVIOUS person is suggesting:

Alt = a keyboard switch that utilizes alt to control buttons and VARIOUS menu functions.
N = when accompanied with Alt allows you to press or activate the Next button.
B = when accompanied with Alt allows you to press or activate the Back button.
Space bar = When used with Alt allows you to access the current windows Title box commands.
Tab = Used with alt; allows you to switch between many windows quickly. (Should display a little box showing pictures and text)
F4 = used with Alt; Closes the currently selected window.

Many other commands are available.Yes you will need to find a driver once you are in windows...you could get a cheap USB mouse to use in the mean time.

You will need the laptop brand and model if you want to find the correct driver The arrow keys will let you move around in windows setupOnce Windows is up and running for awhile, it will "discover" your mouse. After you learn to get along without it.

Got along without 'cha ...
before I meet  'cha ...
get along without 'cha now.
Thanks for that useless insite Mohd. What? Do you have a question?It's not unheard of that a pointer device or keyboard fails to work during XP setup. If it worked before formatting, it should be fine after Windows is installed again.Well either the OP cannot get back to the forum, or has FIXED it, he/she hasn't been back for a while