XP setup safemode

Question

Hello - I'm trying to help a friend with a machine that will only boot in safe mode. I tried to reload Windows XP from the original CD (Dell machine delivered in 2002) but when setup continues in safemode (won't boot in normal mode), it says setup cannot continue in safemode and reboots again. I used the R option to repair Windows. If I try to completely reload windows, it says that there are 2 partitions (1 small and 1 large). The small one is too small to load Windows (about 24 M), and it says the larger one already has another operating system. I don't know if someone partitioned the hard drive after it was purchased or if it came that way. Windows XP is the only operating system that comes up as an option to load (doesn't seem to have a dual boot option). I can start it in the Recovery (DOS command?) mode but am not sure what to do after that. I ran checkdsk but it said all is OK.   Any thoughts are appreciated. Thank you.

Denny Denham · Answer

VTfan,

To reinstall XP you must boot from the CD, not allow it to autostart from within Windows. The document here and included links give the entire procedure for a reinstall (and also discuss the partitions likely to be present).

VTfan · Answer

Thanks for the comments and links Denny. I believe I let Windows load from the CD, but I'll give it another try. Thanks again.

VTfan · Answer

I did get the message 'press any key to boot to Windows CD.'  My semantics must be wrong. I tried it several times with the same outcome.

Mary G · Answer

The cd doesn't load Windows, so you did not boot to the cd. You must see the message 'press any key to boot to Windows CD.' Then you must press Enter or another key to boot to cd and start Setup or Repair. You might have to change the boot order to put the cd drive first in boot order. Note that the upper cd/dvd drive (if you have 2) is normally the master drive and the cd must be in that drive to boot.

Windows General

XP setup safemode

Was this post helpful?