I am able to boot my Vista system into safe mode via the F8 key. However,
after Windows loads I am not able to do anything. When I click on Start or
any shotcut on my desktop, nothing happens.
I would appreciate any help or advice in solving this problem.
Larry Pollane wrote:
>
> I am able to boot my Vista system into safe mode via the F8 key. However,
> after Windows loads I am not able to do anything. When I click on Start or
> any shotcut on my desktop, nothing happens.
Try a system restore, then, uninstall any new ware you've just put in.
It's unclear to me what you mean is going on right now, but I'm pulling from
the lines you're trying to use one of the F8 options--the first Safe Mode on
the list to fix a Vista that isn't working well.
When you say after Windows loads, do you mean first of all you're trying to
use the F8 options which includes 4 safe modes, any of which may work when
the other one doesn't to help you reach system restore + Last Known Good
Configuration to fix a Windows where you can't do anything? If you are
trying to use F8 advanced options which includes 4 Safe Mode options are you
able to get into any of them to use System Restore?
Before you try any of them, my sequence in Vista to fix a broken Vista would
be to run SFC if you can. Then I'd use Startup Repair and if no joy I'd try
System Restore from the Recovery option where you reached Startup Repair.
All of this is outlined below, and you need a Vista DVD to use the Vista
repair options from the Recovery link on it. If not, I've outlined how to
do a repair install and all the F8 options to fix your Vista:
I'd advise your trying to repair Vista if this many widely located problems
are occuring, but first I want you to run SFC.
Type "cmd" into the Search box above the Start Button>and when cmd comes up
at the top of the Start menu>right click cmd and click "run as Admin" and
when the cmd prompt comes up at the cmd prompt type "sfc /scannow" no quotes
and let it run. This may fix things quite a bit. It replaces corrupt files
with intact ones, if you're not familiar with it.
If SFC does not fix things, then follow the directions below to run Startup
Repair from the Recovery Link after popping in the Vista DVD if you have
one, and if that doesn't work then try the other options below, starting
with System Restore from the Recovery link. All links are provided to get
this done:
1) If you have a DVD (and the majority of pre-loaded PC buyers do not--much
to my regret and MSFT and the OEM's unadulterated greed that outweighs
giving their end users the tools they have developed to fix Vista) you can
use the Win RE (Recovery Environment tools including the few click Startup
Repair from the recovery link off the DVD's setup screen).
2) You have the panoply of options from F8 which includes the possibility of
four safe mode>>system restore options and LKG (Last Known Good)
configuration.
***Startup Repair and System Restore from the Win Recovery Environment on
the DVD***
You can run Startup Repair by putting your Vista DVD in after the
language screen in setup. You can also run System Restore from the same
location.
You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
also sometimes effective):
Note The computer must be configured to start from a CD or from a DVD. For
information about how to configure the computer to start from a CD or from a
DVD, see the information that came with the computer.
2. Restart the computer. To do this, click Start, click the arrow next to
the Lock button, and then click Restart.
This usually means that you enter bios setup by whatever key or keys
(sometimes there is more than one key that will do it for your model--go to
pc manufacturer site) and configure CD to be first in the boot order (this
will allow you to boot from the Vista DVD as well):
III Taking Full Advantage of the F8 Options (Windows Advanced Options Menu)
by startin gth ePC and tapping F8 once per second:
You could also:
Think: I have 4 different ways to get back my XP at F8 and try 'em in order.
1) Safe Mode 2) Safe Mode with Cmd to Sys Restore which is simply a cmd
prompt in safe mode 3) Safe Mode with Neworking 4) LKG or Last Known Good
Configuration
Try to F8 to the Windows Adv Options Menu>try 3 safe modes there (I don't
use WGA) and Last Known Good>then I go to Win RE in Vista. That gives you a
choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking,and Safe Mode with Command
Prompt.
Repair Install: (This option has the best chance of succeeding and it
preserves everything in your OS--you do not lose anything with this option):
Make sure the DVD you have is a Vista DVD
Pitfalls: If the DVD came from friend or relative or P2P, you may have
problems. P2P besides being illlegal in many countries including the U.S.
can be corrupt. If CD came from friend or relative, they may have given
you the CD to use but if product key is in use, MSFT is not going to accept
it for activation. Make sure you clean the CD carefully using proper
cleaning fluid and strokes that radiate from center like spokes on a wheel.
Again a repair install has the most likely chance to succeed, but you need
to have an Vista DVD.
First, in order to do a Repair Install You must boot to the bios setup and
position booting from the "CD" first in the boot order--it probably will not
say DVD but might.
Booting to Bios Setup:
For 85% of PC's and all Dells you can tap the F2 key to reach bios setup.
How To Enable DVD/CD Rom Support (put CD boot first) in bios setup boot
order:
"Larry Pollane" <lp34@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
news:e5qw5NdkHHA.3264@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>I am able to boot my Vista system into safe mode via the F8 key. However,
>after Windows loads I am not able to do anything. When I click on Start or
>any shotcut on my desktop, nothing happens.
>
> I would appreciate any help or advice in solving this problem.
>
> --Larry P.
Safe Mode Problem 
Linear Mode
