Safe MOde is still Windows.  Try doing it in DOS.

Thanks Johnallg.....I've loaded it from a downloaded a I8500A06 Zip, created a CD and loaded from CD, I believe to be under DOS....so thanks you are probably correct as to Dos.

However, the upgrade from A05 to A06 did not solve boot problem of "white screen" (no color or text) and system lockup during boot.......I thought the A06 was to solve this problem!..........would appreciate any comments/help !!

 

Sounds like a video driver problem if it happens once Windows takes over.  If it happens right off, then it is a hardware problem.  What happens if you boot and while the Dell screen shows you go into the BIOS?

Thanks john, for you attentive suggestion and help.

Again you are right, it was the driver.  It happens after the Windows XP logo vanish and  when users icons gets created.  Spent 1+ hr on telephone with tech repre.

Deleted nvidia  driver, reverted to the "as delivered "   CD version.   Again thanks....