cannot reinstall XP Pro in safe mode

[BobU]

I had a problem with a malware program. I went into safe mode to try to
delete it completely (after Norton AntiVirus quaranteened whatever part of
it was causing a problem). It didn't work so I tried reinstalling Windows XP
Pro. However, I was in safe mode. In the middle of the install, the setup
complained that it cannot install while in safe mode, and asked me to click
OK to reboot. Unfortunately, even if I take the Windows XP Pro CD out of the
drive and reboot, I still get the "cannot install while in safe mode"
message.

Can anyone suggest anything? I want to avoid FDISK-ing the whole disk since
I have some data I need to retrieve (my backup external drive just happened
to crash just before this all happened!).

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Kelly]

Hi Bob,

You cannot install XP via safe mode, guess you know that now. )

Did you program XP via msconfig/boot.ini to boot into safe mode?
If so, if you can still get there, change it back.

This is what needs to be changed: under boot.ini: /safeboot:minimal
--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

 

[Guest]

You may be able to save your curret installation. There are two very good
online scanning tolls available to the public. One is Online HouseCall from
www.trendmicro.com. The other is from www.ewido.com. I'd run both. Norton
isn't designed for malware, it's for email virues only.

Before scanning you will need to prep your system. Open Control Panel-Folder
Options-View. Click to show hidden folders, Click to show operating system
files. Apply changes.
Then you will need to turn off System Restore and delete all restore points
to prevent reinfection.
After system is cleaned, rehide files and folders. Restart System Restore
and create a new restore point.

If you have hosed your system by trying to reinstall Windows, there is still
hope.

Insert your XP CD in the drive. Shut down the machine. Reboot. At boot
screen, press DEL to enter the BIOS. Set all boot options to CD. Save changes
and exit.

At reboot you will be hit with options to open Recovery Console and repair
Windows, or install Windows. Select install. Do NOT open Recovery Console.

Windows will then check the disk and find the previous install of XP. You
will be given the option of Repairing Windows or installing Windows. Select
Repair.
Windows will then proceed to reinstall only the Windows folders, leaving all
other files and folders intact.

When finished, you will be prompted for your product key. Enter it and
Windows should boot to your current desktop. You will need to go to Windows
Update and reinstall all patches.

Good Luck

 

[Guest]

And, I forgot to tell you to reset your BIOS to boot from the Hard drive.

 

[Kelly]

Hi Danny,

I hear what you are saying as per his first note; however, if he can't even
boot into normal mode then he won't be able to run any online cleaners. )
--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

 

[Guest]

www.ewido.com:- how can I set to scan the slave drive? Your assistance is
much appreciated, thanks

 

[Malke]

www.ewido.com:- how can I set to scan the slave drive? Your assistance
is much appreciated, thanks

You're in the wrong thread. Look in Ewido's scanning options. If you
need more help, make a new post instead of continuing in someone else's
thread.

Malke