Hi,
History:
I wish to scan virus on safe mode but my computer wont allow me. The only
configuration that works was the Normal Mode.
My bad move:
I ran `msconfig' and changed the mode to safe boot (safe mode) hoping that
it will boot on safe mode.
The problem:
I restarts itself over and over since it can't go to safe mode. Choosing the
normal mode is not working as well.
My question:
Is there any way I can go to normal mode again? I wish to backup my files
then restore my system but I am stuck with this safe mode, feels like I am in
danger mode.
Thanks!
It's a known problem (don't rely on MSCONFIG) with the SAFEBOOT option
- no way to get out once you enable /SAFEBOOT (your machine is still
infected).
You need to start with a boot into the Windows Recovery Console and
rebuild your boot.ini file.
If you can boot RC off an XP installation CD, or make a RC CD
yourself.
To eliminate not using the "right" bootable CD or having to decide
which options to take when you boot on some CD you have, make a
bootable RC yourself and there will be no questions:
You can make a bootable Recovery Console CD by downloading an ISO file
and burning it to a CD.
The same XP Recovery Console commands can be run from the bootable
Recovery Console CD.
The bootable ISO image file you need to download is called:
xp_rec_con.iso
Download the ISO file from here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?ueyyzfymmig
Use this free and easy program to create your bootable CD:
http://www.imgburn.com/
It would be a good idea to test your bootable CD on the computer that
is working.
You may need to adjust the computer BIOS settings to use the CD ROM
drive as the first boot device instead of the hard disk. These
adjustments are made before Windows tries to load. If you miss it,
you will have to reboot the system again.
When you boot on the CD, follow the prompts:
Press any key to boot from CD...
The Windows Setup... will proceed.
Press 'R' to enter the Recovery Console.
Select the installation you want to access (usually 1: C:\WINDOWS)
You may be asked to enter the Administrator password (usually empty).
You should be in the C:\WINDOWS folder. This is the same as the C:
\WINDOWS folder you see in explorer.
RC allows basic file commands - copy, rename, replace, delete, cd,
chkdsk, fixboot, fixmbr, etc.
From the command prompt window run the chkdsk command on the drive
where Windows is installed to try to repair any problems on the
afflicted drive.
Running chkdsk is fine to run even if it doesn't find any problems.
Assuming your boot drive is C, run the following command:
chkdsk C: /r
Let chkdsk finish and correct any problems it might find. It may take
a long time to complete or appear to be 'stuck'. Be patient. If the
HDD light is still flashing, it is doing something. Keep an eye on
the percentage amount to be sure it is still making progress.
Before rebuiling your boot.ini file, read this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/291980
cd \
attrib -s -h -r boot.ini
ren boot.ini boot.ini.bak
bootcfg /rebuild
When bootcfg /rebuild asks for Load identifier enter whatever is
appropriate:
Windows XP Professional
When it asks for load options type: /fastdetect and press Enter
Remove the CD and type 'exit' to leave the RC and restart the
computer.
You do not have to adjust the BIOS again to boot on the HDD since the
CD will not be present.
Here is additional information about how to start Recovery Console:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058
Here is additional information about the Recovery Console commands you
will be using:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058
You can consider adding RC as a boot option to your system.
A good idea (now that you have had this experience) is to create a
bootable XP installation CD with the latest Service Pack already
installed.
