Windows XP Pro only starts in SAFE Mode

[ockerb]

The computer I have will only start in safe mode. When in safe mode I removed all the startup options when in MSCONFIG. Still no change. I pressed F8 and went to last know good config, the only option was C:\windows "SAFE MODE". I then attempted to repair the installation using my win xp disk. Now after loading the necessary files for a repair after the first reboot it starts the setup program but goes back to SAFE MODE. Windows says, it cannot continue setup in safe mode and needs to restart. This is the loop I am in now. Any assistance would be much appreciated.
Ockerb

 

[rvnguy]

ockerb,

Has this pc ever ran ok, I assume yes as you looked to load last known good config.

Windows XP is set to automatically restart on a critical system error. This bypasses the familiar blue screen and is supposed to be for your protection, and, I suppose, that a restart fixes most things anyway.

Think hard about what changes, hardware or software that were done about the time this began. I know it is hard to admit, but 99.9% of the time there is some item that we overlook.

Did you get updates from MS or any other mfg as many are trying auto updates.

Guess this is actually too late as you now have attempted a repair install, which keeps most all drivers & settings, and are still in a loop.

HOW TO: Install and Use the Recovery Console for Windows XP (Q307654)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q307/6/54.asp

266465 - HOW TO: Perform a Second Installation of Windows 2000

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;266465&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

You can do the same with XP. Don't install any unnecessary programs just some virus scanners, keep the second installation basic.

If you have a CD version of Linux like Knoppix you might try to boot to it and look at the HD win dir for the event log to see if that reveals anything.

Post back with what you find

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[ockerb]

Thanks rvnguy
I have managed to fix this problem with a bit of research. I concluded that the problem had to be in the boot.ini file so I read some KBs in microsoft help. Finished up booting into recovery mode and at the prompt I typed in "MAP". This enable me to select the OS that I want to boot up with. The full repair still took a bit more work but at least I was able to stop the SAFE MODE loop and continue with the setup. I'm not totally sure what I did, just followed some MS tips and managed to get myself out of trouble, again hehe
Thanks for your time mate
Ockerb

 

[rvnguy]

ockerb,

Thank for posting back. Glad you are fixed.

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all