Can't boot in Safe Mode...

My system boots fine normally but during safe mode it reboots as soon as its starts. I checked the disk for errors, none found. XP Pro with 512 memory.

 

Still have the problem I tried another drive that I have that has XP and it went into safemode without a problem, so I guess that eliminates memory, motherboard etc.

 

Joey--How are you trying to get into Safe Mode?
If you have not already tried the following, consider it
Start|Run|type msconfig|OK|Boot.ini tab|check the box "SafeBoot "|Apply|OK. Reboot. It takes some time.
Of course, you want to uncheck that box before your next boot so you can boot normally.

 

I'm not sure what the answer is here but I'd think twice about using msconfig to boot to safe mode. What if it doesn't work and the computer just reboots again? You'll be stuck in an endless loop. It more than likely can be fixed easy enough from the recovery console by editing the boot.ini but I thought I should point this out anyway so you'll know what you could be getting yourself into.

From what I gather reading your posts, you are able to get to the boot menu and select safe mode but the computer reboots when attempting to get there. Is this right? If so, don't try msconfig. If your having trouble getting to the boot menu to select safe mode than I'd go ahead and give msconfig a try.

 

Joey, Maybe something in this thread is pertinent,

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=32&threadid=1499108&enterthread=y

Do you have InCD by Nero? Read the entire thread, it sounds a lot like your situation and also shows what happens when you use msconfig for relief. The poor guy had to reinstall.

 

surferdude2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You did it!!! It was Nero (probably InCD). I removed Nero and safe mode works.. Thanks everyone

 

It's ironic that a software program can affect the system so that it won't boot to Safe Mode but the normal boot mode is not affected. Go figure. You'd expect that from a virus maybe but not Nero!

Thank you for reporting back so others can know and be helped.

 

Joey --Indeed, thanks for posting the resolution. I am happy you were saved from the fate my suggestion might have caused.

 

It's frustrating isn't it Pete? Some of my best suggestions often go untried. Probably for the best upon occasion though so I try not to think about that.

I hope the fat fries the lean as has been said by my old mentor, Ashley Whitlatch. God rest his soul - his name is now posted on the Internet - 35 years after his death. He would like that.