I've got a computer running Windows XP 32bit sp2, ATI HD4850, and Catalyst 9.8.

I know for a fact that Catalyst suit 9.8 bricked the PC. It only boots in safe mode, and normally wouldn't show anything after the Windows Logo.

Thing is, system restore was used before I got to it, and all the files/registry entries are kind of screwed up, thanks to the half-assed backing-up that is system restore.

Basically now I'm trying to uninstall Catalyst Control Panel in safe mode. The computer thinks 9.6 is installed, so it runs the un/installer. However, then some other part of the computer recognises it as being installed, so the 9.6 un/installer then tries to install. Another part of the computer then thinks that 9.8 is still on the machine, so asks me to uninstall that version before I install 9.6.

So, I then go to try the 9.8 install exe, and it gives me the error:

"Setup did not find a driver compatible with your current hardware. Setup will now exit."

Now I'm stumped. Any tips? I'll have time to reformat it on the weekend, but meanwhile I'm open to better solutions. Sadly, no one bothered to back up the OEM windows installation, so it'll be fitted with a less-legit windows.