How can I start Windows with no tasks running ("clean boot")?

[Guest]

Is there a way of starting Windows XP Professional with no tasks, programs,
services or whatever running, except the absolute bare minimum required for
it to work?

I have heard this referred to as a "Clean Boot", but I can find no Help on
this topic.

I want to do this because I cannot make a backup direct to DVD because I get
"Error E7D1001F: Unable to write to file" after about three minutes. I have
been told that this is caused by something on the computer, e.g. a virus
scanner, interrupting the sensitive DVD writing process. I have turned off
everything I can find, e.g. virus scanner, schedulers, etc., but I still have
the problem.

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

Have a look at the following article:

"How to perform a clean boot in Windows XP"
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353

 

[Alex Nichol]

Is there a way of starting Windows XP Professional with no tasks, programs,
services or whatever running, except the absolute bare minimum required for
it to work?

I have heard this referred to as a "Clean Boot", but I can find no Help on
this topic.

Two levels. Start - Run - MSConfig.exe

On the front page uncheck 'Load Startup group', exit and restart with
none of those items running. You *can* take that one further, by
looking on its Services page, checking Hide Microsoft, and then
unchecking third party services such as AV or firewall ones

Second level, leave those but on its Boot.ini page take /SAFEBOOT to
reboot to Safe Mode with only minimal system services and basic drivers.
Select the Network button if you are going to need a network connection
in Safe mode.

Either way, run it again and restore the former settings to return to
normal

A further useful one on the Boot.ini page is /BASEVIDEO fro use if you
are swapping graphics cards, and want to be able to boot up with the new
one but only basic video until you have its drivers in action

 

[Guest]

Thank you very much to Will and Alex. This solution did exactly what I
wanted. Unfortunately, it did reveal a further problem! My backup software
just seems to refuse to write to some DVD+RW discs, which other software can
write to with no problem. I've had to dothe backup using only brand new
discs, but at least I have a backup. Of course, regular backups are going to
be rather expensive... Thanks again for taking the time to help me.

Regards,

James

 

[Guest]

Thank you very much to Will and Alex. This solution did exactly what I
wanted. Unfortunately, it did reveal a further problem! My backup software
just seems to refuse to write to some DVD+RW discs, which other software can
write to with no problem. I've had to dothe backup using only brand new
discs, but at least I have a backup. Of course, regular backups are going to
be rather expensive... Thanks again for taking the time to help me.

Regards,

James