vista installation windows explorer loop

I have a Motion 1400.
I upgraded to Vista using the MS DVD.
Vista comes up but is hung up on an item.
A box appears saying that THere is a problem with Windows Explorer and that Windows is lookng for a solution.
A minute later, a box comes up saying that the Windows explorer could not work correctly and that Windows was closing this program.
If I do not click the cancel box, the computer seems to stop. 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 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 quite disappointing. I want to use Vista for its improved handwriting recognition.
Look forward to your wisdom.
Steve S