WindowBlinds and CursorXP Issue

Ok, so I have been running these two apps. for the longest time, never had a problem, until now. I just built a new computer, custom quad core, etc. You know, the works, so i had my friend install the OS, which was Windows XP Pro build 2600.xpsp.061012-0254 SP2. I did all the updates on stuff, rah rah rah, comps running great.

I go to start installing all my personal apps (customization and such), and i go for WindowBlinds first, install is all good, but when i go to skin windows, its only a partial success. I get the windows/window buttons, desktop wallpaper for the skin, and most of the attributes, but its lacking the start bar and start menu, not to mention the functionallity of the buttons on the windows (they are visable but unclickable). So thats my issue there.

Now on to CursorXP, this one is really strange. I install, again, smooth install with no issues until i click "configure CursorXP". After i do that, windows itself freezes, mouse works still, but i get the hourglass and everthing becomes unclickable. Not even task manager will respond to ctrl+alt+del. To get a responce back to windows i have to restart in safe mode and uninstall CursorXP.

I would really love to use these programs again, so any help with the issues i am faced with would be awesome. If i cant find any way to remedy these bugs, ill probably just have to do a format with a fresh install of windows. The only thing i can really think of at this point is that its a problem with the version of windows (V5.1) or something to do with the service pack. Maybe someone can shed some light on this and save me the trouble.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.