Also, if my problem is actually fixed after reformating and reinstalling the OS ... do you know or have any idea what happened? Is it because I installed that game in safe mode? a virus? or what? Is a piece of hardware going bad? How can I prevent that from happening again? *laugh*

HEY! HEY! HOOORAH! :grinthumb
Sounds like you've at least made it past that first BIG stumbling block.(i.e. getting into BIOS and booting from CD) so congrats on that step!

It's hard to say just which one issue or combination of issues caused your problem(s) but at least you found that going back to the most simple of the basics (e.g. ps/2 connectors, no usb, etc) can help.

In addition, let me point out:

1. Are you aware of this Iomega patch? (just released Jan, 08)
2. Change XP config so it doesn't automatically restart on BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) Failures. This could give you a better look what's going on around a crash which results in the dreaded BSOD.
   • Control Panel -> System -> Advanced
   • Under Startup and Recovery click Settings
   • Under System Failure remove the check mark for Automatically Restart
3. In addition, I strongly recommend you look at a quality backup/recovery software tool. One which not only does file/folder backups, but can clone your disk drive so you can easily recover from full disk failures. In addition, one which allows you to run backup/recovery operations from a bootable recovery disk so even when your disk might be corrupted, its boot CD still provides for recovery functions to allow you data backup/recovery options. Suggest you look at Acronis True Image Home (provides all i just described and more, including a 15day free trial offer)