windows safe mode

[Jon Paal [MSMD]]

....unable to launch windows help or browsers.

how do I restart windows in safe mode from cmd line or run dialog ?

 

[Randem]

From the cmd prompt run MSCONFIG then select selective startup from the
general tab and click /SAFEBOOT from the Boot.ini tab, click ok then
restart.

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[Jon Paal [MSMD]]

msconfig will not run ...

any other way to get there ?

 

[Mick Murphy]

What happens if you reboot and tap F8 at power on/startup?
You should get a list of startup options.
Use UP Arrow Key to go to Safe Mode, hit Enter

 

[Kelly]

Add safe mode to boot.ini:

Use as an example/guideline: Go to Start/Run and type in: C:\boot.ini and
copy/add what you want (Safe Mode or with Command Prompt), then save,
reboot.

Normal, Safe Mode and Command Prompt.

[boot loader]
timeout =15
default = multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS = "Windows XP Normal"
/fastdetect /sos)

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS = "Windows XP SAFE
Mode"/safeboot:minimal)

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS = "XP SAFE Mode with
Command Prompt" /safeboot:minimal(alternateshell)

--

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

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

 

[Jon Paal [MSMD]]

thanks to all who helped.

I was unable to use the F8 trick because the system would hang after starting a screen listing of files being run.

Did not try the boot.ini file trick, I will save that note for the future.

Without all the boring details the following was done:

-- disconnected the modem, (I thought maybe fewer external variables would help)
-- reboot
-- disabled the quest care thingy (kept complaing about the connection)
-- reboot
-- delete the active desktop file ( Iwas getting the white screen after some earlier reboots)
-- reboot

At that time, I found I was able to finally launch help and do a restore (whew!), something I just couldn't get to before.

I can now run apps again and start cleaning/scanning etc.

 

[Kelly]

Great to hear all is well. )

--

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

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