Config Troubles: nVidia, System Ctr and XServer

Every time I open System center and select nvidia driver, set up my Dell Monitor and choose Internet for package control, I am told that the "changes will take effect, once I restart X or reboot".

Well everytime I do either, I lose xserver. What I mean is, it fails to start, so I am at a prompt to login. I can login as root, but cannot get xserver to start.

Well... I've learned to fix xserver by CD booting and reinstalling XConfig. I've probably done that 1000 times now.

Mepis has been fun, and saved me from my Windows crash, but with my input devices and all, it's been a hassle. It's basically really only good for working on the internet safely. It's my new Firewall in a sense, though I have to move files somewhere and then move to XP.

WinXP: I finally moved files, reformatted the drives and then reinstalled. Works great. I hot plug in Wacom and it's instantly recognized and nothing else to do.

Mepis: I have been working on wacom support the past 2 days and have read and followed most of the HowTos. To add insult to injury, if I DON'T have the wacom mouse on it's pad when I restart, my mouse will also cease to work. That means yet another reboot.

My question (after rant) is:
How can I keep xserver from failing. When I reinstall it, I lose all my config settings, which sets me in a fatal loop.