installation hung up windows explorer

I have a Motion 1400.
I upgraded to Vista using the Microsoft DVD. I did not use the full install. Vista comes up but is hung up on an item and the computer is unable to do any more than stay with this. Let me explain.
A box appears saying that there is a problem with Windows Explorer and that Windows is looking for a solution.
A minute later, a box comes up saying that the Windows explorer does not work correctly and that Windows was closing this program.
If I do not click the cancel box, the computer seems to stop. By this, I mean that the clock stops.
When I click the cancel box, the process starts over again and again.
At the beginning, while Windows looks to correct the problem with Explorer, a box appears and asks for the original disc for Office 2003. This was installed by the University administrator. I have an Office disc but cannot install it on Vista. When I cancel the task, it does not reappear.
Only the Windows explorer box appears.
I am unable to access the Vista DVD for a system install.
I backed up the tablet.
I hope that I do not have to reformat the computer and reinstall XP.
This is quite disappointing. I want to use Vista for its improved handwriting recognition on the Tablet.
Is there a solution to this problem such that I can use Vista and not reformat?
Look forward to your wisdom.
Steve S