Window Safe Mode

[Loosehead]

I have a computer that insists on starting in safe mode. Obviously it's trying to tell me something. Any idea how I find out what? and how do I get it to start normally. Cheers

[vehelpfulguy]

Windows normally starts in safe mode when it has not shut down properly (it is important with XP to shut it down properly rather than just turn the power off).

If Windows does start in safe mode then ask it to start normally, then shut it down properly. Next time you start it should be OK.

If not, then if you are running XP have a look in the Event Viewer. To get there select Start, Settings, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer.

Have a look at the "Application" and "System" messages and see if you have any nasty errors or warnings.

Post them here if you have.

[Buenchico]

Usually, when a PC boots in safe mode, all you need to do is shut it down, wait 10 seconds and then re-boot. If this isn't working, then your system can't find one of the registry entries it needs to boot normally. Using System Restore should fix this.

Chris

[Loosehead]

It's W98SE

[Buenchico]

(Posted in 2 parts):

If the problem has only arisen in the last few days, you might be able to use scanreg/restore to take your registry back to a date wheneverything worked OK.

The first thing you'll need is a startup disk. You should have one of these because all Windows users are advised to make one as soon as they get their PC but, in case you never got round to it, here's how you make one:

Put a blank floppy in the drive. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel and double-click Add/Remove Programs. Click the 'Startup Disk' tab, then 'Create Disk'.

[Buenchico]

(2nd Part):


When you've made the disk, leave it in the drive and restart your computer. As it restarts, hold down the F8 key. The screen will ask which drive you wish to boot from. Use the arrow keys to select 'First floppy' and hit Enter. The screen will now ask what type of boot you require. Use the arrow keys to select Minimal Boot. After a bit, the screen will give you a flashing cursor. Type scanreg/restore and hit Enter. The screen will offer you a choice of dates (but only from the last few days). Use the arrow keys to select one before the problem arose. Hit Enter. Eventually the screen will show that your registry has been restored. Hit Enter and your PC will restart. (Hopefully not in Safe Mode!).

If the problem has been going on for more than a few days you won't be able to use scanreg/restore. (To check the earliest file available, before doing any of the above, you can search for *.cab and look for the files called rb000 through to rb005. Whichever one of these has the earliest date will be the one you'll be hoping to use). If you can't use scanreg/restore, then follow the above instructions and type scanreg/fix instead. (In theory, scanreg/fix is the first course of action with scanreg/restore held in reserve. My personal experience, however, suggests that 'restore' is the better option, so I'd only try 'fix' if 'restore' isn't available.

If none of this works then it's time to re-install Windows on-top of itself. (Instructions available on request).

Chris

[Loosehead]

Thanks I'll give it a go.