Safe Mode Probs

[AtariForever]

Hi. I have been having some problems getting into safe mode on my system. It will almost get to the desktop when suddenly it reboots. Has anyone ever encountered this before?

[pam123]

Did this just start out of the blue?

[AtariForever]

Well, I don't know. I haven't had to go into safe mode in months. I've scanned for virus' and haven't found any. I don't recall any changes that I have made either.

[pam123]

I asked because spyware and malware can block safe mode.
You've checked for virii (Up to date AV program, right?) and run Housecall :http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ , have you checked for spyware?
What's going on with your system that you needed to get into safe mode?
If you still come up clean then you'll have to do a repair install of XP.

[AtariForever]

Didn't do the Housecall thing, but I have checked for sypware and whatnot with spysweeper, adaware, pestpatrol and spybot. No luck.

What I wanted to do is check to see how many videocards that windows has a "record" of seeing as I changed cards alot over the last year or so. I'm thinking that if I show the hidden devices in device manager it'll will show some of my old cards which could explain a few other problems.

I'll run housecall next to see what that does. Although I run AVG regularly. Oh, now that I'm thinking of it, my internet is Cable and I run my small home network thru a hub, isn't that in itself a good defense against virii? (I also run Zone Alarm)

[WhatsThisBoxFor?]

Originally Posted by AtariForever Oh, now that I'm thinking of it, my internet is Cable and I run my small home network thru a hub, isn't that in itself a good defense against virii?

A hub? No - it doesn't act as a firewall at all. A router on the other hand (with built in firewall) provides a layer of protect, but is not an excuse to get rid of an antivirus or a spyware program - virii and spyware can get in other ways than through an open port/exploit on a system that a firewall may protect you from.

[pam123]

Have you tried msconfig ?
Can you get into it?
Start>Run>msconfig
It will give you the option of running the computer in diagnostic-safe-mode as well as selective start up.
If normal start up is checked switch it to diagnostic start up.

[AtariForever]

I was afraid to check that box in case it would still do the same thing. ie: if I can't get to the desktop to type in a run commmand (msconfig) to uncheck the "/SAFEBOOT" option and it's checked how would I stop it from continually rebooting itself?

Housecall also says no virii.

Oh, & WhatsThisBoxFor? It is a router like you said not a hub, my bad. I was just curious about it is all. Doesnt my IP also have some inherent protection because this is a cable setup? Or is that just a myth?

[pam123]

You'll have to repair the xP install with the OS cd then.

[pam123]

A few months ago we had a series of post about constant rebooting and it turned out that there was spyware that, when removed, damaged the XP install and caused the problem.
It usually caused problems with the normal boot as well as the safe mode boot.
You're problem reminded me of it but since I'm not sure I recommend the full repair reinstall instead of using the repair console.