Windows boots but not in safe mode

tnunamak · 10-15-2004, 10:34 PM

I can't boot windows in safe mode. I just got a computer from monarchcomputer.com and it seems they installed xp pro with SP2, which I think is causing the problem. They didn't install it with the option to remove it, so I can't uninstall SP2 through the control panel etc. What can I do?

cyclic · 10-16-2004, 12:23 AM

I doubt any builder would install SP2 in a way which it would be removable as it takes time to install it seperately, you can build a system CD with service packs 'slipstreamed' into the OS so everything installs at once, therefore the service pack has no system to back up before it installs hence there being no option to remove it. I've not come across this issue with SP2 before and I doubt that's the cause, is it possible you have an M$ or similar keyboard with which you have to press a key to activate the 'F' keys, this would account for pressing F8 having no effect, I do it quite regularly and it's a nuisance having multi function keys.
Or do you get the boot menu from F8 and choose safe mode from which it refuses to boot ?

tnunamak · 10-16-2004, 12:46 AM

No, it starts loading windows in safe mode (the drivers to be precise) and then just reboots in the middle of it :(

greyknight17 · 10-16-2004, 07:03 AM

Try using the Recovery Console using the XP CD. Boot from the CD and go past the recovery console to the install menu. See if that works.

If not, is there a hidden (blue colored) folder called $NtServicePackUninstall$? It should be in c:\windows\. You can use that if it exists.

Hopefully one of those two methods will work.

10-15-2004, 10:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
tnunamak Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 4 OS: XP	Windows boots but not in safe mode I can't boot windows in safe mode. I just got a computer from monarchcomputer.com and it seems they installed xp pro with SP2, which I think is causing the problem. They didn't install it with the option to remove it, so I can't uninstall SP2 through the control panel etc. What can I do?

10-16-2004, 07:03 AM	#4 (permalink)
greyknight17 Analyst, Security Team Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New York Posts: 14,327 OS: Windows 98 & Windows XP Home/Pro My System	Try using the Recovery Console using the XP CD. Boot from the CD and go past the recovery console to the install menu. See if that works. If not, is there a hidden (blue colored) folder called $NtServicePackUninstall$? It should be in c:\windows\. You can use that if it exists. Hopefully one of those two methods will work. __________________ Please do NOT PM me. Post whatever questions you may have in the forum and we will take a look at it when we get to it. If you have waited for more than 3 days, you may then and ONLY then PM me for assistance. I will take a look at it. Adaware :: CWShredder :: HijackThis :: Panda ActiveScan :: Spybot S&D Anti-Spyware Tutorial :: Spyware Prevention Tools

10-16-2004, 12:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
cyclic Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Chester Posts: 193 OS: XP PRO	I doubt any builder would install SP2 in a way which it would be removable as it takes time to install it seperately, you can build a system CD with service packs 'slipstreamed' into the OS so everything installs at once, therefore the service pack has no system to back up before it installs hence there being no option to remove it. I've not come across this issue with SP2 before and I doubt that's the cause, is it possible you have an M$ or similar keyboard with which you have to press a key to activate the 'F' keys, this would account for pressing F8 having no effect, I do it quite regularly and it's a nuisance having multi function keys. Or do you get the boot menu from F8 and choose safe mode from which it refuses to boot ?

10-16-2004, 12:46 AM	#3 (permalink)
tnunamak Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 4 OS: XP	No, it starts loading windows in safe mode (the drivers to be precise) and then just reboots in the middle of it :(