How to start XP in Safe Mode

Solution 1:

If F8 or other function keys don't work, you need to use MSConfig (Start > Run > msconfig). Select the boot.ini tab, and tick the /SAFEBOOT option. Then reboot.

Note that to restore the normal behaviour you'll have to use msconfig again to remove the tick while in Safe Mode.

More info here

Solution 2:

The key should be F8. But there's a very limited window when it will actually get picked up. It's after the POST has finished, but before the "loading windows" has come up. I usually just start tapping the F8 key towards the end up the POST process. It should bring up a text based menu that includes Safe Mode as an option.

Solution 3:

If you have a USB keyboard, you may have the problem that your keypresses are not seen by the BIOS (it may do, may not - depends on version and settings). Thus the keyboard isn't doing anything until after Windows boots and loads the driver. Try a PS/2 type keyboard.

Solution 4:

I believe that holding Shift down during boot also forces Safe Mode.