Cannot boot XP into safe mode

Hi folks, I recently discovered that my machine will not boot into safe mode using the F8 or F5 keys. Before changing settings in MSCONFIG or running a program called "BootSafe" I am looking for advice for or against doing this. Thanks OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Build 2600 OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation System Name HAL-C1FA7AA9104 System Manufacturer GBT___ System Model NVDAACPI System Type X86-based PC Processor x86 Family 15 Model 75 Stepping 2 AuthenticAMD ~2009 Mhz BIOS Version/Date Award Software International, Inc. F6, 1/4/2007 SMBIOS Version 2.3 Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32 Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume1 Locale United States Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.5512 (xpsp.080413-2111)" User Name HAL-C1FA7AA9104\Hal Time Zone Pacific Daylight Time Total Physical Memory 4,096.00 MB Available Physical Memory 2.89 GB Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB Page File Space 8.59 GB Page File C:\pagefile.sys

Hello,
Some systems use the delete key to show the boot options menu.
I press the key repeatedly while booting .
A question, are you using a wireless keyboard? Some times a wireless keyboard causes this issue.
May I ask why you are booting in to safe mode? Is there another issue with your machine?

Hi HFCG, Thanks for your response. Yes, "delete" gets me into the setup screen but not into safe mode. Yes, I am using a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse. During a malware removal operation I was asked to boot into safe mode by the helper but was unsuccsessful. I believe my machine is clean now but I am puzzled that I cannot boot up into safe mode. Cheers

During a malware removal operation I was asked to boot into safe mode by the helper but was unsuccsessful.
I believe my machine is clean now but I am puzzled that I cannot boot up into safe mode.

Please be more specific. Are you saying:

1. I was not able to reach the "advanced boot options" menu, to even make the choice for "safe mode"

or

2. I was able to -choose- "safe mode", but it just works for a while and then Re-starts (or some other problem.)


If #1. Some systems take a while for the video to come-up, and if you wait 'till it does to begin pressing F8, then you will have missed the "window" of oportunity.

hope that helps….

Tallon41

Hi Tallon41, #1 is the current situation. Have been trying different ways of tapping F8 without any luck. Thanks for your response.

Since your machine boots okay, you can get to safe mode using msconfig as follows:

• Click on Start then Run, type msconfig and press Enter or click on Go.
• On the BOOT.INI tab, check the /SAFEBOOT option.
  
• Click Apply then Okay.
• Reboot

System will boot to Safe Mode.

When your done, go to msconfig again and uncheck /SAFEBOOT or you will be in a Safe Mode loop.

Thanks Ztruker, I have thought about doing that but also have heard horror stories of people locking up their machines because of some corruption having entered their machine. But may try it if nothing else works. Have you heard of a little program called "Bootsafe" ?

The wireless keyboard may be the cause of this issue. Do you have a wired keyboard that you can use? What Ztucker suggested is good advice, as long as you follow the directions completely.

The wireless keyboard may be the cause of this issue. Do you have a wired keyboard that you can use? What Ztucker suggested is good advice, as long as you follow the directions completely.

The wireless keyboard may be the cause of this issue.

agreed.

Is there another keyboard you can use, (wired,) to enter Safe Mode.

Tallon41

Thanks for your help everyone. I'll find a wired keyboard and let you know how it goes. Cheers