Start windows xp in safe mode f8 not working

Here is my sad story. I have a dimension that was running ok. The auto patch in xp installed service pack 3. After running for hours the install did not complete. Talked with MS support and was told to kiil the update and the plan was to come up in safe mode and remove sp3. The problem is that when the dell tries to boot I get the dell splash screen and try to select F8 to go into safe mode. Selecting the F8 does not enter the safe mode form it just goes to a blank screen.

Have tried over and over. F2 and F12 work fine so don't think it is the keyboard. But still tried three keyboards same results. It sounds like the entire Operating System is corrupted. I assume it will not load Windows normally either because of the corrupted update. Do you get anything if you do not use the F8? Do you get any options such as "last known good configuration" or something similar? Windows 11 64 bit Pro SSD drives. Cakewalk by BandLab and Studio One 4.

But you actually raise a real issue, so I'll take this opportunity to ask what may appear to be a dumb question. I always thought that you couldn't operate a laptop without a functioning battery installed. If I'm right, this won't work. Do you know the answer? Or is it more complicated: it will work with some laptops but not others? Is that you don't need a battery as long as you have AC power. Matter of fact, I've taken numerous old laptops like old PII's and have built picture frames around them made out of wood, hung them on a wall and they make awesome wall hangings.

You can not only do pictures but also with a wireless card do things like weather, slideshows, etc. If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem.

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Please remember to be considerate of other members. All submitted content is subject to our Terms Of Use. Hi I'm trying go boot in safemode. Share Flag. Safe Mode : Safe Mode with a minimal set of drivers and services. Safe Mode with Networking : Safe Mode with the network drivers and services needed to access the Internet.

This option is intended for IT pros and system admins. Note : After entering Safe Mode, you may see this message on your screen. Just click Close to close the window. In addition to F8 boot menu options, Windows 10 also provides other effective methods for you to enter Safe Mode.

You can also try the methods below. If you can start and run your Windows properly, you can try entering Safe Mode from the Start menu on your screen. This is a worth-considering method as well:. Then the Advanced troubleshooting tools screen will appear, and click Troubleshoot. Then your computer will automatically restart and a screen appears to show different startup options.

That depends on your needs. Your Windows will automatically restart. Then the Advanced troubleshooting tools will appear. Repeat the steps from step 4 above to continue. When you are troubleshooting your system, you may need to boot into Safe Mode several times. Repeating all the steps above to enter Safe Mode would be a huge nuisance.

In that case, you can start Safe Mode by System Configuration to save your time. This will help boot into Safe Mode every time you restart your computer. System Configuration is also referred to MSConfig. It can disable or re-enable the programs and device drivers that run during boot process.

Then you will be able to determine the cause of your problem. Or you can select other Safe Mode options according to your demand. Minimal : normal Safe Mode.