XP re-boots during first sync of Visor Edge

I recently bought a new Compaq pc - loaded Palm Desktop on it and attempted a sync - about 20% through step 2, the system re-boots (this is reproducable) - Sooooo I tried to download a newer copy of the desktop (I'm using 4.0.1, but thought that there may be something wrong with my copy) but need the serial number; however, I purchased the Edge refurb from Handspring, and some clown marked over the serial number with a marker. I've tried to just remove all the Palm Desktop & Sync software, but although the program goes through the motions of uninstalling, everything's still there. I can't even get this junk off the pc so I can upgrade to another brand of PDA - HELP!!!