How to Get Safe Mode in Windows XP

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While Windows XP is usually a stable operating system, it still can have a wide variety of problems. Luckily, Microsoft knew that and decided to put in a secret boot mode known as "Safe Mode". This article will tell you how to enter the Windows XP safe mode.

Steps

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  1. In practice this can be tricky to time correctly and all too often you can end up in the regular boot mode. The technique is to repeatedly tap the F8 key until the startup menu appears.
    • Sometimes you will fill up the buffer memory with all the key taps and get an error message or the computer will complain by beeping. Also, the F8 key may not work with a USB keyboard because USB drivers have not yet been loaded. However, newer computers have USB support in the BIOS so this problem should be limited to older machines.
  2. (You may not see all choices below, depending on your computer setup.)
    • Safe Mode
    • Safe Mode with Networking
    • Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    • Enable Boot Logging
    • Enable VGA mode
    • Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked)
    • Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows domain controllers only)
    • Debugging Mode
    • Disable automatic restart on system failure
    • Start Windows Normally
    • Reboot
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  3. After you have highlighted the mode you want, press the "Enter" key.
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Method 1
Method 1 of 1:

Using Msconfig to get into Safe Mode

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  1. When the Start Menu appears, click the "Run" menu option. (As a shortcut, you can simply press WinKey+R on the keyboard.)
  2. The System Configuration Utility executes.
  3. One will say "BOOT.INI". Click on that tab.
  4. Check the box next to the text "/SAFEBOOT".
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    When I reach Safe Mode and press Enter, it shows me again the option Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, etc. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Just Safe Mode is fine for simple diagnosing and troubleshooting. Safe Mode with Command Prompt can be nice, and if you'll need to get online for anything, go with Safe Mode with Networking.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    When I press F8, the page with all the options pops up. However, I am unable to highlight anything with the up and down arrow keys. Is there any other way to get into safe mode?
    Community Answer
    While there is no other way, if you're using a USB-based keyboard, try a different port.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

      • You will no longer boot into regular mode until you uncheck the box next to "/SAFEBOOT" in the System Configuration Utility.
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        Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2
      • Only change what you are told to in the System Configuration Utility. WikiHow is not responsible if your computer will no longer boot, or starts to act strange.
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