How To Enter Windows XP Safe Mode Using the System Configuration Utility

ometimes when troubleshooting a Windows XP issue, you need to enter Safe Mode. Typically, you would press the F8 key during the boot process to enter Windows XP Safe Mode but that can be very difficult in some cases depending on the problem you're having.

This simple tip will get you into the Windows XP Safe Mode a whole lot easier using the System Configuration Utility, sometimes called "msconfig".
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Less than 10 minutes
Here's How:

1.

Click on Start and then Run.
2.

In the text box in the Run window, type msconfig and click OK. This will open the System Configuration Utility program.

Note: Do not make changes in the System Configuration Utility other than those outlined here to avoid causing serious system issues. This utility controls a number of startup activities other than those involved with Safe Mode.
3.

Click on the BOOT.INI tab located at the top of the System Configuration Utility window.
4.

Check the checkbox next to /SAFEBOOT and click OK.
5.

You will then be prompted to either Restart, which will restart the PC immediately, or Exit Without Restart, which will close the window and allow you to restart the PC manually.
6.

After the restart, the PC will automatically boot into Windows XP Safe Mode.

Note: Windows XP will continue to boot into Safe Mode until the System Configuration Utility is configured to again boot normally.
7.

When your work in Safe Mode is complete, click on Start and then Run. Type msconfig in the text box and click OK.

This will again open the System Configuration Utility program.
8.

Choose the Normal Startup radio button and click OK.
9.

You will then be prompted to either Restart, which will restart the PC immediately, or Exit Without Restart, which will close the window and allow you to restart the PC manually.
10.

After the restart, the PC will boot into Windows XP normally and will continue to do so.