How to boot Windows XP into Safe Mode
There are two ways to boot into Safe Mode: by using the F8 key at boot or by using the System Configuration Utility.
Using the F8 key at boot
- Reboot your computer
- Start pressing the F8 key repeatedly when you hear the computer beep and before the Windows XP logo screen.
- You will be presented with several boot options.
- Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode, then press Enter twice.
- Windows will then boot into Safe Mode.
To return back to normal mode simply reboot your computer as you normally would.
Using the System Configuration Utility
- Press Win+R on your keyboard (press and hold the Windows key, then press the R key).
- In the Run window type
msconfig
and click OK (or press Enter). - Go to the BOOT.INI tab, check the /SAFEBOOT option, and click OK.
- Click Restart.
To return back to normal mode follow the same steps but this time uncheck the /SAFEBOOT option.