connecting to internet in Safe Mode

Are you supposed to be able to connect to the internet when you've booted up in Safe Mode? When I try to do this, I consistently get a message about my modem not being connected or something, and when I click on Details (or Help?, whatever the choice is), this is what comes up:
"Is your COM port turned off? The troubleshooter detected that a COM port may be disabled. This may be the cause of the problem. Follow the steps below.
Warning - This procedure may involve changing your CMOS settings and altering your BIOS. Incorrect changes to the BIOS of your computer can result in serious problems. [etc., etc.]
Make sure that your COM port isn't turned off in the BIOS configuration settings for your computer. "

If this is indeed the cause of my problem, can someone suggest to me how I might go about trying to fix it? It's probably not crucial, but I'm curious. I like to think I *could* access online help from Safe Mode if I should ever need to!
Thanks,
Rebecca

 

rebecca,

From what I understand of Safe Mode, the system only loads the bare necessities to start. This does not include the modem and it's software. Therefore, you will not be able to access your modem in Safe Mode and not be able to connect to the Internet.

Mike

 

rebecca

I have never used it but you might give it a try. That is, choose safe mode/with network support. Give it a shot. All it could do is call you/me a dummy for trying such a thing.

 

It works but you are extremely vulnerable since you don't have any firewall or AV running!

 

Surferdude's point is well-taken. Hadn't thought of that aspect of it.
Guess it's not something I'll have to worry about, since I don't know how to go about fixing the COM port error anyway... I suppose the answer is to make sure I have access to more than one computer - that way I'd at least be able to log onto the internet with the trouble-free one in order to get help with the troubled one!
Thanks for the feedback.

 

Hi Rebecca,

That's one of the reasons I dual boot OS's. Much cheaper alternative.

Started off with WinME and then added XP. Although I am going to put ME out to pasture soon and substitute another XP for it which I'm going to setup differently from the current one - different AV and Firewall for starters.

WinME RIP 2001 - 2004

Regards - Charles