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Safe Mode Not working while Pressing F8 at Boot up

Anonymous
2012-05-21T03:49:48+00:00

Hi .

I am trying to get to Safe Mode by pressing F8 while my PC is booting, but it is not working.

 I am using XP ,and I am trying to delete my old expired antivirus ESET 32 to be able to install Microsoft Security Essential as requested ,but I couldn't do it. To be able to use the Microsoft Security, I have to remove First  ESET NOD 32 software by using the ESEt Removal Software Tool first and then  go to Safe Mode and keep pressing F8 while my PC is booting, but it is just not working.

 I was thinking about  having damaged booting files, so I tried to boot from my  XP CD  for Repair and Fix but I wasn't able to do it either. My windows still working Ok depite this problem is just won't let me go to safe mode or boot from my XP CD to reload the damaged files.

I appreciate your Help

Thanks

Rick

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-05-21T08:49:24+00:00

    Hi,

    Normally, you tap the F8 Key, not press and hold it, to access list of Startup options, including Safe Mode.

    Also, see if you have a F-Lock Key on your Keyboard, which may be stopping you using the F Keys.

    And here is another way to access Safe Mode:

    "How To Enter Safe Mode Using the System Configuration Utility"

    http://pcsupport.about.com/od/tipstricks/ht/smsysconfig.htm

    Cheers.

    50+ people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2012-05-21T11:43:06+00:00

    You are very welcome.

    I am glad it worked out OK for you.

    And thank you for the reply.

    Cheers.

    8 people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2012-05-21T11:06:18+00:00

    Hi

    I managed to get it fixed by going to the BIOS, and I found the “Keyboard Support USB “disabled.  I enabled it, boot up gain, I kept pressing the F8 key and it works. 

     I still don’t understand how it became disabled and how while been disabled, it allowed me to use the “Delete” key to access the Bios??!!. 

    The most important for me NOW is it is working and I am happy, and because of your suggestions, hints and help it gave me some insight to find the solution.

    I appreciate, and I am thanking you for that.

    Cheers

    RicNas

    7 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2017-04-27T21:37:56+00:00

    I've had this exact problem with a Dell Precision T3600.  The USB ports are apparently not activated during the bootup process. Since my keyboard was a USB keyboard, none of the function keys would work.  I changed it to a PS/2 keyboard (6-pin mini-DIN connector) and this solved the problem.

    Charles Knell

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2016-07-22T21:20:29+00:00

    Try hovering over power button on password screen, press shift, then select restart, it should give you options after selecting restart with shift key pressed.

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