WindowsXP (sp3) safe mode

I'm unable to access this WindowsXP (sp3) safe mode boot menu. It is a Dell PC, but when I hit F8 upon boot the only options that are listed is to: 1) Boot WindowsXP sp3 OR 2) Run System Memory Diagnostics.

There are none of the usual: Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, Safe Mode Command Prompt, Last Known Good Config, etc...

Any ideas???

A little more background information:

• PC is new, but had to run XP as opposed to Win7 for software compatibility
• System is infected with the System Check rogue anti-virus

I can't imagine System Check could affect the safe mode boot menu. I'm also pretty well versed in dealing with rogue anti-virus infections, but unless I can get to safe mode (preferably- safe mode w/ networking) I'm S.O.L.

Thank you in advance for your time!!!

 

Does this help? Edit: Sorry this will not work for you as you cannot get into safe mode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da4NFKZ8zNc

 

Past the 10 min mark.

Can you boot into normal mode. You can edit the boot.ini file to start in safe mode with networking.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/239780

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289022

 

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Unfortunately, the Edit button is greyed out. Therefore I am unable to save a copy then edit the boot.ini file. In the folder C:\Windows\pss - the files: boot.ini.backup, win.ini.backup, and system.ini.backup reside, but that is the only mention of a boot.ini on the system.

 

You will have to do it offline. Two options. Download Puppy 5.2.8 and burn the iso. Boot and click on the drive in the lower left of the desktop. Then navigate to Boot.ini and edit.

An easier way is to download Paragon Rescue Kit. You will have to login to a Facebook account in order to press the like button and then download. You will be sent a serial number via email. It is an exe file that will create an iso file. Burn the iso file and then edit the Boot.ini file.

http://www.paragon-software.com/home/rk-express/

Is also available for download here. I am not sure if this requires the serial or not.

When the CD boots, select Boot Corrector and click on "Search Windows Installations to correct". There will be an option to edit the boot.ini file.

 

Here I am not thinking things through. You could also edit boot.ini in Notepad if you can login normally. :-o

 

Lol... I truly appreciate your help with this issue. I was trying to edit the boot.ini file from the command prompt, but even the simple command: "bootcfg /query" is returning an access denied error.

Therefore if I pull this hard drive and plug it into my external bay on my PC, where do I find the boot.ini file to edit? I did a search previously (including system and hidden files) and all it found was c:\windows\pss\boot.ini.backup

With this new variation of System Check I'm starting to feel like the Black Knight in the Holy Grail after having both arms and legs removed. :cry

 

boot.ini in the root directory of your hard drive. If you go into Folder Options and uncheck Hide System Files, you may be able to see it unless the malware is hiding it. Putting it in an external enclosure should work but remember to uncheck the Hide System Files in Folder Options. If you still do not see it, due to the malware, I would try the Paragon or Puppy linux suggestion.

 

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Quite a few important things were hidden, moved, restricted, etc... so I just pulled the hard drive and put it in my PC's extrenal bay and scanned in that manner. At that point once in it's original PC, I was able to access MSCONFIG and set the PC to boot up into safe mode while I made extra sure all was clean. Thank you very much for your advice and tips on a couple of new tools that I'm sure will come in handy in certain situations

 

Glad you got it worked out. As the saying goes, there is more than one way to skin a cat. Thanks for the feedback.

 

i have tried and tried to boot up in norman mode but it just keeps jumping back to safe mode. i've tried the "msconfig" and that didn't work, can't even get my windows media player to work, so i got frustrated and put it back to factory and that still did'nt work and i can't use my back=up disk in safe mode , i'm hurting bad please help.

 

Dell.... F5
Response might be late for this issue, but hope this is useful to others in the future.