Mouse use in Safe Mode for Windows 98

[Midjack]

I'm trying to ressurect an older Gateway 266 using Windows 98 (1st edition). It boots up OK but locks up during boot up's final phases to the point where the mouse cursor is just an hour glass. It appears that the computer is waiting for something that is not there, probably part of Norton Systemworks which aborted during the upgrade from 2003 to 2004.

In booting up in Safe Mode where I do not have mouse capabilities, I can press the "Start" key and run msconfig and get to "Startup" by using the keypad's arrow keys. But I cannot get into the startup programs to delete them with the arrow keys, and the mouse won't work in Safe Mode.

Questions: How can I get mouse control in Safe Mode?
Is there any other way to uncheck some of the Startup programs? Or does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks

[2k_dummy]

Any standard PS2 or serial mouse should work in safe mode. Any special drivers won't load. You could try the step-by-step loading and only allow windows to load its drivers.

[patio]

Try using the Tab key along with the arrow pads to navigate.

patio.