Problem with running safe mode

Bill Grego · 17th March 2006

I recently built a new system and am running Windows XP pro.
Clicking F8 while computer is booting up will get me to the "safe mode" option. However, when I select "safe mode" all I get is a looping condition. When the looping finally stops, I get the selection screen again. But the same thing happens when I again select "safe mode".
I finally have to select "Start Windows Normally." I then get a normal boot up with all icons in place. I want to have "Safe mode" working.
I don't know if this is necessary, but here is my new computer configuration.

Mainboard:
MSI
K8MM-V
VIA K8M800-CE + VT8237R Chipset

Processor:
AMD Athlon (tm) 64 Processor
3000+
1.00 GB of Ram

Any help will be appreciated.

**charlesvar** · 17th March 2006

Hello Bill,

Thses two MS KB articles explain Safe Mode variations: switches/modes. See if any of the mode variations work such as diagnostic.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;Q315222

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q239780/

If none of this helps, at the moment my thought is doing a repair of the installation: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q239780/ but wait to see if anyone else comes up with troubleshooting ideas.

FWIW, from the dim recesses of my memory, someone had to use the F5 key for safe mode - F8 wouldn't work and don't remember the symptoms.

Regards - Charles

Bill Grego · 19th March 2006

Charles, thanks for your suggestions. I tried using the F5 key instead of the F8 key and the same condition existed. I am still researching all other avenues before I do a reinstall.

**Zander** · 19th March 2006

I don't know for sure what the problem is but it sounds like it may be crashing. Maybe the video driver that's used in safemode could be corrupt or something like that. If you haven't already done so, while in normal mode right click on my computer, choose properties>advanced and click the settings button under startup and recovery. Then, where it says system failure, uncheck automatically restart. If you do this windows will stop at a blue screen when it crashes rather than rebooting. Try booting to safemode and see if you get one. If so, write down the info and post it here. Also, you might have a look in your event viewer and see if anything shows up there.

If it is a corrupt driver of some type you might be able to fix it by clicking start>run and typing sfc /scannow. You may be prompted for your XP cd so have it handy if you try it.

**charlesvar** · 19th March 2006

Hi Bill,

While in normal mode:
Start > run > type msconfig > ok > general tab. There try the two variations on startup: diagnostic and selective. That may give you a chance to narrow the problem down. Then reboot w/o using the F8 key.

Regards - Charles

gengis · 19th March 2006

Take a look at How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP

G

Bill Grego · 20th March 2006

I want to thank everyone who is offering a possible solution to my problem. I will try all suggestions.
I ran sfc /scannow, it ran to the end of its scan and then Windows booted up normally. No apparent problems found.

mistabigshot · 20th March 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Grego

I want to thank everyone who is offering a possible solution to my problem. I will try all suggestions.
I ran sfc /scannow, it ran to the end of its scan and then Windows booted up normally. No apparent problems found.

Was normal mode working before we had our problem here? If it was, then what is so special about windows booting up normaly in normal mode?

Bill Grego · 20th March 2006

Windows has always booted up "normally". I didn't state that Windows did not boot up "normally". Windows is booting up normally with nothing "special" about it.
My problem is with using the "SAFE MODE" option in Windows XP pro.

mistabigshot · 20th March 2006

So after sfc /scannow can you boot into safe mode?

skeet6961 · 20th March 2006

run a chkdsk on the system maybe. i'd also look at the bootlogs which i think are covered in charlesvar's article posts. something should show in there in terms of failure.

curious if u've got any oddball hw - particularly video. i'd disconnect any external stuff not needed like prns/drives etc. and try

Bill Grego · 21st March 2006

Even after running sfc /scannow and chkdsk, nothing shows as a problem. The event viewer also shows nothing. The other suggestions expressed by members could not relate to the problem.
When my son and I built the new system, I bought a new Windows XP pro system disk. We commented to each other how well the installation went. It was too easy and we may have to do it all over again. However it is not urgent to solve the problem, because outside of the "Safe Mode Problem", the computer works fine.
But if for some reason I have to use "Safe Mode", it should be working. The help here has been great and I really appreciate it.
Any addition suggestions will be appreciated.