Doing this can help you diagnose and solve many serious problems, especially when starting normally isn’t possible.

Press F8 Before the Splash Screen

To begin, turn your PC on or restart it.

Choose a Safe Mode Option

You’re presented with three variations of Safe Mode you might enter.

Screenshot of the Windows XP Professional splash screen

If so, cycle your rig and try Step 1 again.

Most users only have a single Windows installation, so the choice is typically clear.

Using your arrow keys, highlight the correct operating system, and pressEnter.

Screenshot of the Advanced Options menu in Windows XP

Each file being loaded will be displayed on the screen.

SeeHow to Find the Windows Administrator Passwordif you need help.

Make Necessary Changes in Safe Mode

That’s it!

Screenshot of the operating system selection option during a Windows XP Safe Mode boot

You should now be in Safe Mode.

Make any changes you gotta make and thenrestart the computer.

Screenshot of Windows XP loading Safe Mode files

Screenshot of the Windows XP login screen

Screenshot of the Windows XP Safe Mode desktop prompt

Screenshot of Windows XP in Safe Mode