Cannot start in Safe Mode with XP?

Question

I have Windows XP and am trying to start in Safe Mode. I need to do a full Ad Aware, Spybot and AVG scan in safe mode and cannot get there. I tap on F8 when the computer is booting up and choose start in safe mode with networking. Then after I hit enter, the computer starts normally as though I never went through the F8 process. I am at my normal desktop screen that I get should I start up my computer normally. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Don't select "Safe Mode with Networking". Instead, select "Safe Mode".

You don't need networking for anti-virus and anti-spyware software to work.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Safe mode with networking does look a lot like regular mode. However, you should see Safe Mode in a corner of the screen. If all your security products are up to date, reboot again with your F8 and select regular Safe Mode.

Answer 3

Hi lee3250 Can you try and boot into safe mode (without networking) and let me know what happens and I will try and come back with an answer. Also is there any particular reason you have to run the scans in safe mode? All the best Rab>

Answer 4

One - I've seen many answerers here advise other users to "tap" the F8 key. I have found, at least in my experience, that as soon as I see the black and white screen where memory is being checked, I press and hold the F8 key. I continue to hold until Safe Mode displays.

Have you tried that?

Answer 5

To start the computer in safe mode
You should print these instructions before continuing. They will not be available after you shut your computer down in step 2.
Click Start, click Shut Down, and then, in the drop-down list, click Shut down.
In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, click Restart, and then click OK.
When you see the message Please select the operating system to start, press F8.
Use the arrow keys to highlight the appropriate safe mode option, and then press ENTER.
If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot system, choose the installation that you need to access using the arrow keys, and then press ENTER.

Answer 6

is your system running under any option of system configuration??
find out by using the run menu...start windows as you normally do then click the followin... start menu, run menu, type "msconfig" (with out the " mark) a new windows that says system configuration pops up.. check normal start up box then reboot (re-start) do not let the system comeback to windows.. make sure you are striking the F8 button till you get the windows menu then select safe mode with out network support.... if any spy ware/Trojans loaded they will use the network.....