XP Repair Only Boots to Safe Mode

[The Merg]

I have a client's computer that I am having some issues with. The computer was apparently getting slow and was always booting straight to safe mode. I turned off the automatic reboot on errors, but nothing was ever coming up. When trying to force normal mode via the boot menu, it would still boot into safe mode with no indication that it was doing so until it was loaded up.

I tried disabling all services and removed all internal cards and devices except for the harddrive. This still had no effect. The client then decided to perform a repair install using their install CD. Well, this has caused a new issue. When the computer rebooted to start up Windows and complete the install, it still boots to Safe Mode except the install cannot be performed in Safe Mode. There is a prompt to reboot the computer to continue the install, but it will just reboot in Safe Mode, rinse and repeat.

So...

Anyone have any idea how I can cancel out of the repair install? And, anyone have any ideas what is causing Windows to boot straight to Safe Mode?

Just for further info, when selecting Safe Mode from the Boot Menu, the screen shows it loading all the drivers, yet when just allowing the computer to boot up, it appears as if it is booting normally and then just goes right into Safe Mode.

Thanks,
Merg

 

[MStele]

I'm going to just make a guess and say that there is likely some damage to some important system files that is forcing it to go directly into safe mode. You might need to run sfc to verify file integrity. If i remember correctly you can just type "sfc /scannow" into the run box. If that failes i believe /scanonce will scan at boot.

 

[The Merg]

Had already performed a scan with negative results. Unfortunately, my biggest issue right now is that it is stuck in the Repair Setup. I can't use Safe Boot to Command Prompt to run any commands and I can't get into Windows to run anything as it wants to finish the Repair Setup, which it can't since it keeps going into Safe Mode.

I might just have to end up doing a non-destructive HP System Restore to see if that resolves the issue (of at least letting Windows boot up--safe mode or not). Of course, the client will then need to reinstall all of the apps since they bought the computer.

- Merg

 

[MStele]

Good luck. I could never work on computers professionally because I have a scorched earth policy when it comes to software problems, since I ultimately always end up wiping the drive and doing a clean install. I can imagine your in a much more precarious situation because you have to protect their data.