Can't run Win XP in safe mode

I seem to be unable to run my Windows XP in safe mode.

I looked up the topic in Help - but the instructions there cannot be followed.
In the shut down menu, there are only the options "standby", "restart" and "shut down". No "run in safe mode".

When I start the computer and press F8, it doesn't make the system run in safe mode.


What could I do in order to run in safe mode?


Thanks.

 

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When you hit F8 at the beginning, it doesn't automatically take you into Safe Mode, rather it gives you a screen with several options; including Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, Safe Mode with Command Prompt, Start Windows Normally.

Does it not list all these options when you hit F8? Actually, what DOES happen when you hit F8 at the start of the boot up?

 

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No. The Help file says it should, but it doesn't.

It continues as usual.

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Just wondering if you have updated your Bios at all since you bought your PC? It is at the MOBO sebsite.

 

F8 is widely used...

but not universal...

your manufacturer probably used a different key...

what make and model computer is this?...

 

Thanks.

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Microsoft Windows XP
Professional
2002
Service Pack 2

Intel(R)
Pentium(R) D CPU 2.80 GHz
2.80 GHz, 504 MB RAM

DTK Computers
Cuatro F945


It has a Logitech Deluxe 250 keyboard.


The Help file on the computer does say to press F8. Strange.

 

Hold SHIFT during bootup (This is instead of pressing F8 as it's very easy to miss a keystroke. Also make sure that when you press the keyboard isn't during a keyboard test or it will halt at a keyboard error as if your key was stuck)

 

Some motherboards use different keys. On one of my old computers, you had to go so far as to start tapping F10 every half second as soon as the cursor moved to the other side of the screen, until the menu came up. You just have to find the proper key, and when to press it.

 

If its a USB keyboard, there may be a point during the boot process that the USB signal is interrupted as the BIOS passes off to the Windows XP kernel. If you have a PS2 adapter, that should solve if Stryder's method doesn't. It could even be that there's an issue with the USB controller... I'm assuming that there is *some* problem if you're attempting to go into safe mode.

 

the tapping once a second is an old school way to avoid the 'stuck key' error...

i know IBM PC's were using F5 very recently...

i would try the shift key method... you can tap once a second and 'dodge' the stuck key issue...

also try 'delete'... since this isn't an HP you can try F10... on HP's F10 launches the system restore, to re-install from hidden partition routine...

as i mentioned F8 is in no way universal...

 

Greenberg, it's a good idea to back up your data if you can. I had this happen and my computer shortly after started rebooting every time I brought it up.

 

Skinwalker has a point about the PS/2 adapter. But here is a method for booting in Safe Mode that doesn't rely on the keyboard.

Start, Run, type msconfig. On the boot.ini tab, check the /SAFEBOOT box, apply, ok. It will then boot in safe mode, and only in safe mode, until you go back and clear that box.

 

That will only work if you can get it to launch Windows in the first place.

 

Thank you all!

I am going to print this, and give your advice a try.

Nothing seems to be wrong. I just wanted to run the anti-virus program also in safe mode.

 

Run msconfig.

It gives you startup options before you shut down.

 

Thanks guys!
After much trial and error, it turned out F5 does the job.


I'm not good with computers at all, so I'll rather stick to simpler things, before I unnecessarily make a mess.