boot.ini file

[sfurnish]

hi guys, this is my first post in the forums. it looks like the guys on here no what they are talking about. I currently a few computers down so you may see me around. I have't figured out all the boards so sorry if this has been posted already.


My work computer (we don't have IT guys) has Windows XP. I was trying to install norton anitvirus and had a problem with a file in Norton. Their tech gu told me to change the boot.ini file to where it only boots into safe mode. However safe mode does not work. It loads to the screen where it says safe mode in the corners but no taskbar. Nothing. I know how to change that file back if safemode if safemode would work, but it doesn't.

Options I have available:

Windows XP home edition Reinstalation CD.

I guess all i need to get done is figure out a way to change that file to get windows to boot properly and then worry about how to fix safe mode.

[glc]

If safe mode won't work, try pressing F8 to get the boot menu and choose normal mode or VGA mode. If this doesn't work, the only way you are going to bail out of this is to boot it up with some kind of live CD or a XP CD that has a functional recovery console and replace or edit the boot.ini.

Your so-called "guru" should not have told you to do that - if safe mode is TEMPORARILY needed you use the boot menu.

I would also advise you not to install Norton - AVG is a lot less hassles and just as effective.

[tmaclean]

I came across a problem similar to this the other day where Safe Mode wouldn't load the taskbar or any icons. Since I had gone into Safe Mode because the computer was full of viruses and spyware, I used Ctrl+Alt+Delete to get the Task Manager up and using the "New Task" command under "File," I ran the installer for AVG and opened it the same way and did a scan. Once it went through and got rid of all the viruses that were on the computer, the taskbar and icons all came back up. I don't know if you suspect any viruses on your system, but it may help.