Can't get out of safe mode - PC Help Forum - Free Computer Help, Windows, Hardware, Software and more!

port44 · #1 03-24-2008

Hi, I am running win98se...explorere caused an error of some kind (even tho I was not in) and when computer shut down and came back up it was in safe mode. I have tried the F8 several times (lots actually) and selected NORMAL, BUT it still boots up in safe mode. I am completely computer illiterate..so any suggestions? Thanks a bunch.

madmonkey · #2 03-24-2008

Hey port44, what is the exact error message you receive?

port44 · #3 03-24-2008

Hi Madmonkey, Thanks for replying...I am sorry I didn't write the error message down.I wasn't on the internet tho when it happened, it just caused my OLD computer to shut down and then when I rebooted it came up in safe mode and continues to stay there.

madmonkey · #4 03-24-2008

So what excatly happens when you try to start in Normal, it just restarts itself without any error message and returns to safe mode? On your last session when everything was working fine, was any software installed or uninstalled, or did anything happen during that session that could have caused this problem?

port44 · #5 03-25-2008

Yes, it just comes up in safe mode doesn't prompt me for anything..there was nothing unusual going on nor was i doing or into anything ..i think i had just gotten out of yahoo msgr.. but it had been awhile..and the error re: explorer showed up on the screen and the computer shut down....i have tried F8 and put it in "normal", but when it finishes rebooting, it is still in safe mode...and like I said i have tried F8 SEVERAL times..with normal as my option and it still boots into safe mode.

madmonkey · #6 03-25-2008

Hey port,

Sorry for the questions, but we need to be clear. I'm very confused about the fact that you say when you select normal it boots into safe mode. Up until now, I truely believed that this was not possible, are you *absolutely* sure it's not doing one of the following:

a) After selecting safe mode the PC restarts immediately after (you see the initial post screen again) and the PC starts in safe mode. -or-

b) Your mistaken safe mode for normal mode, prehaps for the resolution of the screen. When in safe mode, you will see "Safe Mode" written on all four corners of the screen.

port44 · #7 03-25-2008

Well I would have sworn that that is what happened...selct "normal" and boots in "safe mode"...however, this a.m. when I brought the system up it came up in "normal"..as no safe mode indications in the corners of the screen..but had to change the screen resolution color as it was all distored...however, now my screens are all very LARGE as if in safe mode..the icons were the same, but I did change those in the display settings..????sorry, maybe this old dinosaur computer is helpless, I will get a newer on, but it will be in several months...so am trying to keep this old thing going...I can put it with it as is I suppose....i have also notice super slowness in using some of the keys...i.e. delete, backspace etc...it's on it's last leg..isn't it?!! Ha..

madmonkey · #8 03-25-2008

So it is actually starting in Normal mode at the moment, it's just that the screen resolution is large, most like 600x480? What happens if you try to increase that to 800x600 or 1024x768? (in the same location you used to increase the color depth) - right click on your desktop and go to Properties. Click on the Settings tab and your resolution should appear here. What details does it give here, what is the make and model of your graphics card? It sounds like you have the wrong graphics driver installed.

port44 · #9 03-25-2008

Hello, Color is set at high color 16bit, 640x480 and set at "less" on slide..sorry I don't know the exact/correct terminology for all this..i have tried changed the color bit and the other setting...yesterday when this all started acting up...and if i change from the above it just makes color etc. worse. Graphic cards? I haven't a clue how to know this..except, since this an old system, purchased we believe about 1998..and nothing has been added or changed from original factory ..even the minimize buttons on screens when used almost completely fill the screen..not actually "minimized"...if you can get what i am trying to say. i have to use the bottom scroll bar just to go back and forth to read...say yahoo home page etc.

Jelly Bean · #10 03-25-2008

Hi port you may need a driver update for your graphics card.