My first problem with Reaper - suggestions?

While attempting to get a MIDI via USB connection set up in Reaper, I somehow managed to lock Reaper up - it just froze and hung up operations on the rest of my PC. I've hard and soft rebooted, unplugged and re-plugged the computer, but Reaper still froze as it was initializing. I uninstalled the program, downloaded the newest version and re-installed it but still get the same situation with Reaper freezing during the initialization process. I tried uninstalling and re-installing in a different directory, rebooting afterwards just for insurance, but still get Reaper freezing when initializing. I'm running XP on a low-end Dell with a 1.3 GHz Celeron CPU. This is the first problem I've had with Reaper and was getting ready to purchase later this month, so I guess it's good to have my first major problem before handing over my money. I'd be very appreciative of any suggestions and thanks for reading this post.

can you make a temporary stash folder for your whole vst directory and stick them in there for a minute while you try and boot reaper?

Thanks for the suggestions, but neither of these works. Reaper will load as far as getting the initial "track view" screen, then goes to an all-white screen and just hangs. Further suggestions appreciated...

try unplugging the usb hardware that initially caused the problem then start Reaper

I found that the REAPER uninstall will not remove some files and leaves the folders intack. You might want uninstall again and remove (delete) the REAPER folder under the Program Files folder. Reboot, then reinstall, then execute REAPER. I would also move the VSTPlugin files elsewhere before the uninstall, as Pipeline suggested as well. Worth a try. I had this same type of issue a few months back on my laptop and is working now.

Thanks, Mr. Shredder, for the suggestions. I've already tried deleting Reaper folders during my many uninstall/installs. Haven't tried it in conjunction with hiding the VST folder and re-installing, though. I've got an out of town gig tonight and have got to get on the road - I'll try this suggestion first thing tomorrow and if anyone else has any suggestions they'd like to post tonight, I'd be mighty obliged for any recommendations. Cheers, Ed

You will find a folder like this in your application data, C:\Documents and Settings\Kev\Application Data\REAPER this is the one that often gets people, just rename it Creaper or something silly for now. You can do the same with the Reaper folder in "Programs" too it won't hurt, and also the same with the VST plugs although Reaper shouldn't even look for them when you reinstall because it won't find the .ini file that tells it where they are The only other thing is to disconnect the usb device. Reaper doesn't put anything in the registry so it should now do a totally clean install. If that works out okay I would try to connect your usb device next and your plugins last. If you have any plugs you suspect move them separately into a new VST folder to test