Entering windows xp start up optionusing the F8 key:
Start or restart your computer.
When the machine first starts it will generally list some BIOS information , like amount of memory, hard drives installed etc (this should look like a DOS screen with black background and white character). At this point you should hit the F8 key repeatedly until you are presented with a advanced menu.
Select the Safe Mode option using the arrow keys.
Once it is highlight then press enter to boot into Safe Mode.
Do whatever tasks you need to do and when you are done reboot to boot back into normal mode.
Note:F8 -If it does not work on the first try, reboot and try again as you have to be quick when you press it. By pressing the F8 key right when Windows starts, usually right after you hear your computer beep when you reboot it, you will be brought to a menu where you can choose to boot into safe mode.
Using msconfig the System Configuration Tool :
Note: Only used this method if you are having trouble entering windows xp start up option via the F8 method.
Step 1: Close all open programs and Windows so that you have nothing running.
Step 2: Click on the button then click on Run.
Step 3: In the open field type msconfig as shown in figure 1 below.
Figure 1. Starting Msconfig
Step 4: Press the OK button and the System Configuration Utility will show up. You will then see a screen like to Figure 2 below.
Figure 2. System Configuration Utility
Step 5: Click on the tab labeled "BOOT.INI" . You will then be shown with a screen like Figure 3.
Figure 3. BOOT.INI Tab
Step 6: Check the checkbox labeled "/SAFEBOOT" designated by the red box in Figure 3 above. Then press the OK button. After pressing the button you will see a confirmation box as shown in Figure 4 below.
Figure 4. Confirm Reboot
Step 7: Press the Restart button and let the computer reboot into Safe Mode.
Step 8: When the computer boots up you should be in safe mode, if not repeat the step. Now do what ever that you need to do. (Usually uninstall a program or scan for virus or edit the registry)
Step 9. When you are finished with your job, complete steps 1-7 again, but in Step 6 this time uncheck the checkbox labeled "/SAFEBOOT". Then click on the General tab and set it for Normal startup.
Step 10: Reboot the computer back into normal mode.
Here you will learn how to go to safe mode using F8 key to get to windows xp start up option or msconfigto get System Configuration Tool .
button then click on Run.
