boot.ini and recovery cd

I use XP Pro, and cannot get into safe mode from F8, only F5 from a complete shut down (not a restart) I wonder if I am the only one (means I tweaked where I shouldn't have tread) or that is normal XP behavior?? Only curious.
Johanna
who can't seem to stop tweaking!!

 

I looked up safe mode in my manual. Three varieties of safe mode but not one mention about what key you use. A roll of the eyes. This is a Pro manual.

On the dual boot menu, I get "use the F8 key for advanced startup options and trouble shooting" to go into safe mode. And I've always used F8 in 9X.

Tried the F5 key, works the same way as the F8.

Regards - Charles

EDIT: Johanna, can't get into safe mode on a restart.

Editing the edit: I actually have no way of knowing, the boot menu intervenes, and from there I can get into safe mode on a "restart ".