How to go in safe mode?

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A Ng - 03 May 2008 16:14 GMT

For Win98, how rto i get to safe mode? i tried F8 (WinXp, Dell), but doesn't
work. MY system is packard bell.

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Gary S. Terhune - 03 May 2008 16:20 GMT

As soon as you turn on the machine, you have to repeatedly tap the F8 or
Ctrl key to bring up the Startup Menu. If you repeatedly tap F5, you'll go
straight into Safe Mode. Note that you repeat the taps instead of holding
down the key to prevent stuck-key error, and you can't guess at the precise
time to hit the key so just keep repeating for as long as it takes.

If all else fails, go into Normal Mode, run MSCONFIG, click on Advanced
button at lower right, and check Enable Startup menu.

Signature

Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com

> For Win98, how rto i get to safe mode? i tried F8 (WinXp, Dell), but
> doesn't
> work. MY system is packard bell.

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letterman@invalid.com - 05 May 2008 06:19 GMT

>As soon as you turn on the machine, you have to repeatedly tap the F8 or
>Ctrl key to bring up the Startup Menu. If you repeatedly tap F5, you'll go
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>If all else fails, go into Normal Mode, run MSCONFIG, click on Advanced
>button at lower right, and check Enable Startup menu.

I got one for you.
I always start my computer in DOS. (I have a reason for this).
When I want Windows98 I just type WIN and hit enter.

OK, so I am in DOS. I want to start windows in Safe Mode.
I type WIN and hit the Enter key. Now how do I get into Safe Mode?

(Or do I have to replace the original msdos.sys file which loads
windows upon bootup?) I saved a copy of the original, called it
msdos.sy_. Then I modified the msdos.sys file, so I boot to dos.

I have never been able to get into safe mode, although I have only
tried a few times. Most of the time if Windows is screwed up, I just
modify or replace a few files from dos, then it will load, and I may
have to run Setup.exe if it's still not working right.

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Jeff Richards - 05 May 2008 11:32 GMT

Don't start with WIN - use an option.

WIN /D:M or /D:N

Do WIN /? for the full list

Signature

Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)

>
> SNIP <
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> modify or replace a few files from dos, then it will load, and I may
> have to run Setup.exe if it's still not working right.

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Mart - 03 May 2008 16:22 GMT

How to boot into Safe Mode? - The 'Official' MS method is holding down or
'stabbing at' the Ctrl OR the F8 keys, BUT you do need to do this
IMMEDIATELY after you power up your PC and keep 'stabbing' at them until the
splash screen shows. You could also try the same, but using the Shift key
instead.

Another alternative is when your machine is running in Normal Mode. Run
msconfig.exe and on the General tab, select Advanced and check the 'Enable
Startup Menu' box.

Don't forget to uncheck the box when you've finished with it..

Mart

> For Win98, how rto i get to safe mode? i tried F8 (WinXp, Dell), but
> doesn't
> work. MY system is packard bell.

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philo - 03 May 2008 16:44 GMT

> For Win98, how rto i get to safe mode? i tried F8 (WinXp, Dell), but doesn't
> work. MY system is packard bell.

Correct timing is the key here.
I do not suggest to continuously tap the F8 key *initially*...as you may get
the "keyboard error" message

The F8 (or F5) key needs to be depressed right *after* the last of the bios
message has
completed...yet just *prior* to the start of the operating system loading.

If you are not exactly sure of the timing...it will do no harm to hit the F8
(or F5) key a few times.
About the worst that will happen is that you will simply have to start over

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Gary S. Terhune - 03 May 2008 17:10 GMT

>> For Win98, how rto i get to safe mode? i tried F8 (WinXp, Dell), but
> doesn't
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> get
> the "keyboard error" message

Never happened to me in ten years of LOTS of such procedures on LOTS of
different machines. Keyboard error is produced when you hold down the key
for a significant period of time. That's why repeatedly tapping works.

> The F8 (or F5) key needs to be depressed right *after* the last of the
> bios
> message has
> completed...yet just *prior* to the start of the operating system loading.

Most machines don't show BIOS info, they show a stupid splash screen, and
when that screen disappears, it's already too late. And even with BIOS info
displayed, and with practice, finding that sweet spot is a hit/miss thing.

> If you are not exactly sure of the timing...it will do no harm to hit the
> F8
> (or F5) key a few times.
> About the worst that will happen is that you will simply have to start
> over

Might as well start tapping from the beginning and be done with it. If by
some miracle a keyboard error appears, my suggestion would be to tap slower.
Sure easier to learn to tap than to make all of your procedures work
properly.

Signature

Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com

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philo - 03 May 2008 17:17 GMT

> >> For Win98, how rto i get to safe mode? i tried F8 (WinXp, Dell), but
> > doesn't
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
> Sure easier to learn to tap than to make all of your procedures work
> properly.

I agree with you 100% about those stupid bios splash screens!

yuk!!!

I try to disable them whenever possible.

Of course with your msconfig suggestion...
one can't miss!!!

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A Ng - 03 May 2008 18:29 GMT

i think so tto. not like winxp

> Correct timing is the key here.
> I do not suggest to continuously tap the F8 key *initially*...as you may get
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> (or F5) key a few times.
> About the worst that will happen is that you will simply have to start over

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philo - 03 May 2008 18:47 GMT

> i think so tto. not like winxp

The procedure would be the same for either XP or Win98

Just tap F8 slowly

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PA Bear [MS MVP] - 03 May 2008 16:59 GMT

See
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406

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~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

> For Win98, how rto i get to safe mode? i tried F8 (WinXp, Dell), but
> doesn't
> work. MY system is packard bell.

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glee - 04 May 2008 01:01 GMT

> For Win98, how rto i get to safe mode? i tried F8 (WinXp, Dell), but doesn't
> work. MY system is packard bell.

Start the computer and HOLD DOWN the CTRL key till the Windows 98 Startup menu
(boot menu) appears.
~OR~
Repeatedly tap the F8 key after the memory count to bring up the boot menu.

Then use the arrow keys to select "Safe Mode", and press Enter.

Also, see:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406

Signature

Glen Ventura, MS MVP Windows, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm

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Old Bob - 05 May 2008 20:10 GMT

glee;220659 Wrote:

> For Win98, how rto i get to safe mode? i tried F8 (WinXp, Dell), but
> doesn't
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> Also, see:
> http://tinyurl.com/3px9

If the "F8" doesn't work try the "Del" key. This works on some
computers.

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Old Bob

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Gary S. Terhune - 06 May 2008 00:16 GMT

You're thinking of BIOS, Old Bob. Different menu.

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Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com

> glee;220659 Wrote:
>> For Win98, how rto i get to safe mode? i tried F8 (WinXp, Dell), but
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> If the "F8" doesn't work try the "Del" key. This works on some
> computers.

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