What the Tech?! Free tech support Archive
This is a read-only archive. No new posts or registrations. Privacy Page
Software

Unable to boot into safe mode

6 min read

This thread's last reply is from . Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

Looking for the outcome? Ask AI

Post #1
I am unable to boot my computer into safe mode – its gives a message that since the last boot there have been some software or hardware changes which dont allow it to boot into the safe mode… Thanks for the help!
Post #3
Paws' recommended utility link is a well-regarded "convenience utility". I believe that it simply automates with a Desktop Icon, the usual MS route for accessing Boot Modes, and does not "add" any strength of new routing to overcome possible conflicts or MS operating system corruption. Therefore, you "may" still have the same problem when using Boot Safe. Go ahead and try it. You might like it, and it might solve your problem. If it does, …………..then "nough said". However, Boot Menu Options are sometimes "conflicted" by various application programs and combinations of application program installations. Chief "culprit" amongst these conflicts is Nero. You have Nero and Ahead softwares installed on your machine. Consider Uninstalling both. Then see if you can Boot into SAFE Mode. I "do not" recommend installing "AheadCD" software. It is used exclusively for "re-writable CD's" which very few people ever use, because of expense and unreliablitity of "re-writable CD's" You also have a ton of "unnecessary" applications and update programs running immediately from your StartUp Menu at Boot time. Many/Most of them should be disabled from running at Boot time, since your machine is radically "slowed down" by their unnecessary load. AND, Your JAVA Runtime Environment is seriously out-of-date, leaving you vulnerable to problems that have been corrected in the current version of JAVA Runtime Environment. Let us know how you would like to proceed. Best Regards
Post #4
Dough, did what you said. Removed Nero and Ahead, updated JRE. I can boot into safe mode now, thanks!

On the startup list, nothing appears on my Startup programs menu item. So I ran hijackthis! and am assuming that the list under O4 is the startup list (posting it below). I did remove some programs, but dont know which others to remove. If you could pls advise. Am enclosing what info I have about them:
1. HPDJ - should be the printer – dont use it often. If I remove this, and then want to print, can I just issue a command or will have to do some complex procedure?
2. DSL - This is my internet connection, need this one
3. ShStat, McAfeeUpdater – I believe these are for my virusscan, should leave them in?
4. SunJavaUpdate – JRE update engine? I wonder why it didnt update my JRE till date, should leave it in?
5. TkBell, LVCOMS – No idea what these are… any suggestions?
6. Logitech (3 entries) – should be the webcam, should leave them in?
7. ZoneLabs – firewall, should leave it in?
8. iTunesHelper – ok, iTunes – should leave it in? or can I invoke it easily when required if I remove from here?
9. Ewido – new virus scanner – I should probably remove it since I am using virusscan
10. ctfmon – No idea what this is… any suggestions?


Thanks for the help!

———————————–

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:24:25 AM, on 02-Oct-06
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.5700.0006)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\guard.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZONELABS\vsmon.exe
C:\Program Files\GlobespanVirata\Adsl\dslstat.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\LVCOMSX.EXE
C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\LogiTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\FxSvr2.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\ewido.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Alok\Desktop\Hijackthis\seekyou.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54729
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=552…cid={SUB_CLCID}
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: IeCaptureBho Object - {7c1ce531-09e9-4fc5-9803-1c2956615786} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktopIE.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn0\yt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb05.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLSTATEXE] C:\Program Files\GlobespanVirata\Adsl\dslstat.exe icon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe" /StartedFromRunKey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LVCOMSX] C:\WINDOWS\System32\LVCOMSX.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LogitechVideoRepair] C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\ISStart.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LogitechVideoTray] C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\LogiTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!ewido] "C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\ewido.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [LogitechSoftwareUpdate] "C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\ManifestEngine.exe" boot
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Yahoo! Search - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsrch.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Dictionary - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycdict.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Maps - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycdict.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {4528BBE0-4E08-11D5-AD55-00010333D0AD} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\yhexbmes0521.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {4528BBE0-4E08-11D5-AD55-00010333D0AD} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\yhexbmes0521.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {01BE5BD7-B2DD-48B3-A759-59265A91E787} - http://akamai.downloadv3.com/binaries/EGDA…ESS_1064_XP.cab
O16 - DPF: {39EA2F6F-3F50-4F58-9C63-4B3D53B0926E} - http://scripts.downloadv3.com/binaries/P2E…_1049_EN_XP.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/…b?1159646167577
O16 - DPF: {71DA2A4E-ACB3-4065-9E41-8BC42EABE427} - http://scripts.dlv4.com/binaries/IA/svcia32_EN_XP.cab
O16 - DPF: {8AD9C840-044E-11D1-B3E9-00805F499D93} (Java Runtime Environment 1.5.0) - http://javadl-esd.sun.com/update/1.5.0/jin…indows-i586.cab
O16 - DPF: {B2B0AEDF-7CDF-4792-BB67-7654AD1E1B13} - http://scripts.downloadv3.com/binaries/IA/…svc32_EN_XP.cab
O16 - DPF: {E06E2E99-0AA1-11D4-ABA6-0060082AA75C} (GpcContainer Class) - https://pc.mywebexpc.com/client/v_mywebex-aa/ra/ieatgpc.cab
O16 - DPF: {EFB23983-5803-4914-ADA3-C0EA2CFBDC37} - http://scripts.downloadv3.com/binaries/EGD…ESS_1072_XP.cab
O18 - Protocol: vskype - (no CLSID) - (no file)
O23 - Service: ewido anti-spyware 4.0 guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\guard.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPodService - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Framework Service (McAfeeFramework) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates McShield (McShield) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates Task Manager (McTaskManager) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
O23 - Service: RoboServer 5.5 SR1 (RoboServer5.5_SR1) - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\KAPOWR~1.5SR\bin\ROBOSE~2.EXE (file missing)
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs, LLC - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZONELABS\vsmon.exe
Post #5
Hi alok mittal,

Please go to http://www.pcpitstop.com to Run Full Tests and Post a TechExpress back here into this Thread

http://www.pcpitstop.com
Click on Full Tests (in the left-hand column)
You will be asked to Register with a legitimate email address and to create a password.
When you have received your validation email, return to http://www.pcpitstop.com
click on Full Tests again, enter your registration ID and password
Click on "Test This Machine"
You will be asked to accept an ActiveX to allow the Tests to be run on your machine. (it's safe)
Run the Tests (takes about 2 minutes, even on dial-up)
When your test is finished and you get your results, please click on TechExpress (upper right quarter of page)
Copy the entire TechExpress Link information into this Thread here at TomCoyote.
(no personal information is revealed via TechExpress Link and your IP address is blanked out.)

We'll then be better able to make informed recommendations to assist with unnecessary StartUps and other System configuration that can help your machine perform at its top ability.

Best Regards
Post #7 last edited
Thank you alok mittal,

Yes, you posted your TechExpress correctly.

There are several considerations raised by information from your Pit Test.

Please start, by Defragging both Drive C:\ (31% fragmentation, 42% of expected Drive function speed, Yikes), and Drive D:\ (77% of expected function)

Does your machine connect to the internet via onboard NIC? or do you have a separate NIC Card?
Your Realtek NIC drivers are presently "disabled" which may contribute to your poor internet connection speed and ping loss.

With 256mb RAM, this machine is going to be "struggling" at all times. You should consider adding More RAM up to at least 512mb, and preferrably 1024mb RAM.

At the Boot resting state, you have 12% CPU upload. Not Good. It should be 0% and maybe 1 or 2% Max.

Your McAfee AntiVirus may be too much of a "Resource Hog" for the low resources of your machine at present. I realize that this is a "paid subscription" to McAfee, but your machine may perform much better with the (free) AVG AntiVirus available at http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5

Using MSCONFIG, please consider "disabling" all the items printed with the "purple" background on your Windows Test Results Page.

Additionally, Ewido is an excellent program, but hogs resources. It is not necessary to have Ewido Run Active. You can keep Ewido, and use it as a periodic "manual scan", and can click on its Icon to run it manually when you decide to do so. Please disable Ewido from your MSCONFIG StartUp (tab), along with the other "purple" items.

Logitech can also "grab" a bunch of your system resources. You can disable all of Logitech from your MSCONFIG StartUp (tab) and Run your Logitech utilities (for instance WebCam) manually when you are actually using it.

You are Running Internet Explorer Version 7.0. Version 7.0 is now out of "beta" status, but is still RC1 and involves a tremendous amount of "background" communication with Microsoft Validation (popups), each time you connect to the Internet, and each time you turn your machine on. Consider "rolling back' to Internet Explorer 6.0.

Turn your System Restore back on. It will grab 12% of your Hard Drive (by default), but you can adjust that amount downward to 3% (which is still a large amount of space) and that will serve the needs of nearly any Microsoft user. (a few good Restore points will actually only occupy up to a few hundred megabytes so all the rest of the space that MS System Restore claims by default, is simply wasted space)

Adjust your IE Internet Cache size down to 80mb.

Your JAVA Runtime Environment is out of date. Use Add/Remove to "uninstall" "all" of your current JAVA Runtime Environment. Then go to:
http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp

The download you will use is about 2/3 of the way down the page:

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 5.0 Update 9
The J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) allows end-users to run Java applications.
Installation Instructions | ReadMe | ReleaseNotes | Sun License | Third Party Licenses




There are other considerations that will probably benefit the efficient running of your machine, But if you make the above adjustments, you are likely to experience a dramatic improvement of function.

Best Regards
Post #8
EDIT: Additional thoughts:
Your BitTorrent 4.0.2 is a vector for Malware.
In your MS Media Player, turn off the various options related to "check for online license", etc.
Since you have Media Player 10, it is highly unlikely that you'll ever need RealPlayer (uninstall it.)
For the same reason, you'll not likely need QuickTime.
There is a "low-impact" "QuickTime Alternative" that many folks use, including me, for when Websites actually require Apple format players.

Your Spybot Search & Destroy is Version 1.3……. The current version is 1.4. Completely "uninstall" Spybot, then download and install the new version and update its immunization and .dat files.
Same may be true for your Ad-Aware. Do you have version 1.06 installed and updated?

Adobe Reader 6.0 is a huge resource hog. There is a better (IMO) alternative that will allow you to read .PDF (portable document file) formatted media. It's called "Foxit", here:
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php
consider a complete "uninstall" of Adobe products, and install "Foxit".

Do you use "both" Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003, and Open Office?
I happen to like the Microsoft utilities, but Open Office is used and recommended by many.
You may not need both installed.

Regarding JAVA Runtime Environment:
Be sure to use Add/Remove to uninstall your older versions before installing the current version (9)
you have the following version installed (and they have vulnerabilities that will continue exposing your machine until they are uninstalled):
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 1
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 6

Best Regards

Ask AI

AI can make mistakes. Check the cited posts. Archived advice can be out-of-date

Don't include personal information. Questions and selected public posts go to OpenAI. About Ask AI