Booting to Safe Mode in Windows XP-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks-Windows Xp Tips and Tricks

Booting to Safe Mode in Windows XP 

Booting to Safe Mode can be a very effective method of troubleshooting a system. Safe Mode allows only essential files and drivers to be used. An example of why you would need Safe Mode is; If you have installed a new hardware device and upon rebooting your system it will not start. If you can get into Safe Mode you will be able to remove the offending hardware device from your system and allow your system to boot normally.

If there are damaged, deleted or corrupt system files involved, Safe Mode may not be an option. You may need to use the Recovery Console for help.

To boot in to Safe Mode: 

Go to Start>> Turn off computer>> Restart.

When the message "Please select the operating system to start" appears, press F8. 

Using the arrow keys, highlight the appropriate Safe Mode option, then press Enter. 

Note: If your system is a dual-boot or multi-boot system, choose the appropriate installation using the arrow keys, then press Enter.

Alternate method:

Go to Start>> Run. Type in: msconfig [Enter]

Select the BOOT.INI tab

Check the box titled "/SAFEBOOT"

Click Apply and then exit the Configuration Utility.

Windows will now be configured to restart in Safe Mode and will continue this way until you uncheck the /SAFEBOOT box.