F8 key not initiating safe mode

Running XP sp3. After tapping F8 key initial white text on black screen appears but pc boots to normal mode instead. Keyboard locks up and is not detected in Device Manager. Shutting down pc and turning back on returns everything to normal, keyboard redetected and works properly. Keyboard is standard 101/102 key or Microsoft PS/2 type, 2004 Dell model. Faulty F8 key? Bottom line, can't enter safe mode.

 

You can force Safe Mode by running msconfig and enabling Safe Boot.

 

Ok, but would still like to resolve the issue.

 

I'm sure you would - I was referring to your bottom line.

Have you tried another keyboard?

 

Going to asap, will report result.