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

  1. Reboot your computer
  2. Start pressing the F8 key repeatedly when you hear the computer beep and before the Windows XP logo screen.
  3. You will be presented with several boot options. Boot menu for Windows XP
  4. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode, then press Enter twice.
  5. Windows will then boot into Safe Mode.

Using the System Configuration Utility

  1. Press Win+R on your keyboard (press and hold the Windows key, then press the R key).
  2. In the Run window type msconfig and click OK (or press Enter).
  3. Go to the BOOT.INI tab, check the /SAFEBOOT option, and click OK.
  4. Click Restart.
To return back to normal mode follow the same steps but this time uncheck the /SAFEBOOT option.