How do i restart my computer in Safe Mode?

Question

I have a Hewlitt Packard with Intel Core2 duo and its XP,
Using the F8 button on startup does not give me the option of running it in Safe Mode

Answer 1

theres a nack to going into safe mode,i normally find by gently tapping f8 from the start of the boot up screen normally brings up the safe mode screen
sometimes you need to try a few times before you get safe mode
good luck

Answer 2

Make sure you do it like this.

For Windows XP

If the computer is running it is best to shut down Windows and then turn off the power.

Begin by first clicking on the Start Button and then click on Turn Off Computer.

Now click on the Turn Off red colored icon to shut down your computer system.

It is best to wait between 15 to 30 seconds before you turn your system back on.

Turn on your computer and start tapping the F8 key on your keyboard.

Some Computers may display a keyboard error message if you begin tapping F8 too quickly.

Restart your computer again and begin tapping the F8 key a brief second or two later.

When the Windows Advanced Options Menu appears, Choose the Safe Mode option and hit Enter.

Windows will now boot your computer up in Safe Mode.

Answer 3

If F8 doesn't work and you tried all the suggestions from above this WILL work:

This file is super hidden and system so you can't see it normally. It is called boot.ini

Open notepad, go to File > Open and go to your boot drive, [e.g. C:]

Next in the filename box type boot.ini don't worry if you can't see that file it will open anyway.

Now the disclaimer "I take no responsibility for any damage or data loss to your system as a result of mistakes made in editting boot.ini"

find the line which has your windows xp entry,

mine looks like this:

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT

Yours will be slightly different but along the same lines

to the end of this line add a space then add ONE of the following

/safeboot:minimal
/safeboot:networking

The minimal has no networking and the networking does.

save and reboot your computer. You will automatically boot into Safe Mode. to boot normal again repeat the procedure but remove the /safemode:minimal switch

Answer 4

Some people have problems getting into safe mode for whatever reason. Here's a harder, alternative method.

1. Click Start
2. Click Run
3. Type msconfig in the textbox and press ENTER
4. Click Boot.ini tab
5. Click /Safeboot option
6. Click OK and reboot

You will reboot back into safe mode. Once you are finished, reload msconfig and do the following to get back into regular mode:

1. Load msconfig (as above)
2. Click General tab
3. Click Normal Startup
4. Click OK and reboot

Answer 5

Have you checked your manual not all use the F8 key some use F10 and many packard bell use F11 you could give them a try also check if they have FAQs on hewlit packards site Good Luck

Answer 6

On my computer it is the F5 button and I have to start clicking it as soon as the logo comes up until it goes into safe mode

Answer 7

Hmm normally as you say it is F8, try also F10, Delete, and Ctrl Alt Delete. This is normally the way into the bios but might work for you.

Answer 8

nicely, you probably did not say what OS you had, so i am going to assume that's between the XP flavors: even as the pc boots, commence urgent F8 about two times in line with 2d till the chance-free Mode menues seem.

Answer 9

Hi,
I think the Question to ask is "Why do you want to start in Safe Mode", if you tell people what wrong we may be able to help you. Sorry This does answer your Question but I think it will help you.

Answer 10

press f8 on bootup and choose safe mode