How do I enter safe mode on my Windows XP SP3 laptop? I need to enter in safe mode so that I can run some combo fix software. I already tried googling, but the webpage crashes everytime I hit enter in the search window.

Thanks.

6/5/2011 2:56:40 PM

Hit F8 after you see the BIOS screen. Just keep hitting it until it pops up.

6/5/2011 2:58:20 PM

After I hit F8 repeatedly, it brings up a boot manager screen that says "choose your operating system." Windows XP SP3 is my only choice. I hit enter and it takes me into Windows normally. wtf?

6/5/2011 4:14:23 PM

after you mash F8 there should be an option for safe mode.maybe youre not mashing it early enough, or maybe you need to mash it after that screen you're seeing (im thinking the former tho, start doing right towards the end of the bios post

6/5/2011 4:20:45 PM

Try DBAN if those don't work

6/5/2011 9:40:20 PM

6/5/2011 10:01:13 PM

Make sure you machine isn't just sleeping instead of powering entirely down. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds and remove the battery before trying the f8 button. Power it using the ac adapter.

6/6/2011 1:13:14 AM

BTW be sure to let ComboFix install the Recovery Console; it's the closest you can get to the old tactic of "dropping into DOS"

6/6/2011 1:23:24 AM