Windows XP includes the System Configuration Utility. If you can start the computer normally and get into Windows, this is the easiest--and the recommended way--to restart the computer in Safe mode.

To use the System Configuration Utility method

1. Close all open programs.
2. Click Start, and then click Run. The Run dialog box appears.
3. As shown in this illustration, type msconfig and then click OK.
   
   
    
4. The System Configuration Utility appears, as shown in the following illustration. Check the "/SAFEBOOT" option, and then click OK.
   
   
    
5. You then see the prompt to restart the computer. Click Restart.
   
   
   
   The computer restarts in Safe mode. (This can take several minutes.)
6. Perform the troubleshooting steps for which you are using Safe Mode.
7. When you are finished with troubleshooting in Safe mode repeat steps 1-5, but in step 4, uncheck "/SAFEBOOT"
8. Close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.

1. Start Windows, or if it is running, shut Windows down, and then turn off the computer.
2. Restart the computer. The computer begins processing a set of instructions known as the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). What is displayed depends on the BIOS manufacturer. Some computers display a progress bar that refers to the word BIOS, or display the Manufacturer's Logo, while others may not display any indication that this process is happening.
3. As soon as the BIOS has finished loading, begin tapping the F8 key on your keyboard. Continue to do so until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again by waiting a little longer before tapping the F8 key.
4. Using the arrow keys on the keyboard, scroll to and select the Safe mode menu item, and then press Enter.

For more information about safe mode, please see the Microsoft Website: http://support.microsoft.com.