AV software and PC in safe mode

Just found this newsgroup. It is great.

Trying to help friend with his computer. He did not have
any AV or firewall software on his HP Pavilion running Win
Me. Now, all sorts of errors. Can run in safe mode only.

Had bought Norton Internet Security 2004 to install on his
PC. Have seen posts re NAV not working well with Me. Have
second thoughts now. What AV/firewall software do you
suggest for Win Me system? Working in safe mode is new to
me. Called AOL and got very foreign speaking person who
did not answer my question. Can I run AOL in safe mode?
It is V 7.0. AOL gives me invalid or busy port message so
cannot download AV software or troubleshooting programs
from web.

Am using my PC with Win XP Home and Nort Int Sec Prof 2004
to send this e-mail. Can I somehow use this PC to get
troubleshooting files to his PC if no AOL? Can I install
an AV program while in safe mode? Seems CD drive on HP
Pavilion does not work in safe mode. Is this correct? I
can burn a CD with my system.

Appreciate all advice.