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How to start Windows XP in safe mode
When trying to troubleshoot a problem with Windows, or when trying to clean up after a virus or spyware, it is sometimes necessary to run Windows in safe mode.
Safe mode is a special operating mode in which only the bare essentials of Windows are run. No networking software is used, so you cannot connect to the Internet or another computer. No inessential services, including anti-virus or personal firewall services, are started, and no drivers for inessential devices are loaded, avoiding the possibility of conflicts. Only a basic 640 x 480 graphics display mode is supported, so your graphics card drivers are not loaded, making it possible to solve display-related problems. If something doesn't work as expected, and you suspect that the problem might be caused by a conflict with something else, try it in safe mode.
Method 1
To start Windows XP in safe mode, start the System Configuration Utility (click Start, Run, type msconfig and press Enter).
Select the BOOT.INI tab.
Tick the check box marked /SAFEBOOT and click OK.
Restart the computer when prompted, and it will restart in safe mode.
Before closing down or restarting from safe mode, repeat these steps and untick the box marked /SAFEBOOT.
Method 2
If you are unable to start Windows normally, then you will be unable to access the System Configuration Utility to use Method 1.
In this case, switch on the computer and hold down the F8 key while it is booting.
When the boot menu appears, select Safe mode.
More information
Applies to
- Microsoft Windows XP
eight comments:
I don't need to but, I want the option when needed. Can't boot into safe mode using F8 or F5, tried many times system just boots normal. I can boot safe mode if I use msconfig. do you think it's a bios setting issue?
Ron () - 19 12 2007 - 03:04
Do you use a USB keyboard? If so, F8 or F5 won't work since USB is registered only after all XP drivers load. In this case you will have to use msconfig.
JV () - 20 12 2007 - 21:33
HELP!
I have a virus screen on my desktop that I cannot remove. I am running XP. There is no "desktop" folder when I select properties after right-clicking on the desktop. From the START button, "Run" is not an option. My choices are open, explore, search, scan with spysubtract (which sounds like a virus to me), and properties. I have a USB keyboard.
mitch () - 19 10 2008 - 22:30
i have a computer that when i turn it on, it goes to the safemode sreen, then freezes up.
can you tell me why this happens? is there a fix for this.
i am running windows XP pro.
Danny L. () - 14 11 2008 - 06:54
I'm hit with a virus and I cannot install any antivirus now (WinXp). It deleted the exe of my older antivirus. I don't know what to do and I try booting with safemode, but when it excutes the files after selecting safemode, it stops and restarts again. I can only run windows in normal mode and I cannot get rid of this virus.
Hadi () - 11 12 2008 - 08:57
I am running windows xp professional. recently after I moved and hooked up my computer I get the following error message...Windows has been improperly shut down and then get a prompt to start windows either in safe mode, last known configuration that worked or normally. When I chose any of those I then get a blue screen with error message that ends in 24 or the page- default message. I can't get my computer to run in safe mode to try and fix it. I have even used f8, and anything else I can find out about this. Help!!!
cee - 16 09 2009 - 20:07
Hi
After I'd installed the McAfee internet security, I restart the PC, it shows the log on dialoge box, as usual, I key in the name and password, it just log off and back to this dialoge box,I'vd tried many attempt but it fail to log in. thereafter I run window in safe mode, it's still the same. my PC runs on Window XP pro. need your help
Thanks
Curtis Khor () - 19 10 2009 - 09:19
My computer goes to blue screne when I try to start up after pressing 'start windows normally'. Pulled down computer & cleaned fans, etc., now now signal is going to the monitor and keyboard & mouse do not switch on. My system is XP. How can I repair with nothing coming on the monitor?
DavidE3 - 07 04 2010 - 02:08