"stuck in" SAFEBOOT: MINIMAL(ALTERNETSHELL)

[Chris]

I went to the run command, typed "MSCONFIG" and wanted to
go into safemode. BUT, I checked the option:
SAFEBOOT: MINIMAL(ALTERNETSHELL)
and now it only boots to a command prompt, and I cannot
get it to boot normal. I have tried typing "exit" and the
command prompt page goes away, but it leaves me at a
black page saying only SAFEMODE.
How do I get out of here?

 

[Michael S.]

Try a repair install as follows:
NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data files intact, if
something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be forced to start
over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your data backed up,
you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.



Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.



Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.



Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console.



The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.

 

[Agret]

Easy!

Simply type:

notepad c:\boot.ini

Into your command prompt and backspace the bit about safemode