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Muff821

7 Posts

9167

April 21st, 2004 13:00

safe mode

I have been trying to find out how to get the Dell logo to come up when I turn PC on.  I would like to be able to get into safe mode.  Have tried everything techs have told me; delete key does not work; F8 key does not work.   Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I understand I do not need Dell logo to make sure that the system is working ok.  But, if I don't have that, how does one get to safe mode?

Majestic

9.4K Posts

April 21st, 2004 16:00

Generally you have to wait till after the BIOS loads in order to access Windows Safe Mode menu by pressing F8.  For my Windows 98 system I press the F8 key when the Windows logo first appears and that will get me in.  

The other consideration is the type of keyboard you are using.  A USB keyboard will not be active until Windows loads the drivers for it or you have the USB Emulation setting enabled in the BIOS Setup.  Not knowing which Dell model you have makes it difficult to point you to any additional information.  

Muff821

7 Posts

April 21st, 2004 16:00

I am using the keyboard that came with the Dell; ps2 port; running Win XP.  I have tried everything I can think of.  I really don't know that much about getting into safe mode.   I've been told to try Del key, no lucj; tried F8 key; no luck.  tried F10, nothing.

Even tried typing msconfig into Run; still nothing.  HELP

Majestic

9.4K Posts

April 21st, 2004 16:00

Have you tried tapping the the F8 key right after the computer's BIOS screen appears when the computer is restarted?  The link here is for a Microsoft Knowledge Base article reference Safe Mode in Windows XP.  Hopefully it will help.

Muff821

7 Posts

April 21st, 2004 20:00

Not sure what you mean by BIOS screen.  The only thing I get is Win  XP is loading.

Many thanks.

JoeRacine

191 Posts

April 22nd, 2004 01:00

Just start tapping the F8 key as soon as you start your computer. Don't hold it down, just tap it repeatedly.

Majestic

9.4K Posts

April 22nd, 2004 12:00

The BIOS screen will either be covered by a big Dell logo or if the logo is unhidden it will display your BIOS version, processor information, hardware devices attached to the motherboard controller, etc.  As previously mentioned, tap the F8 key prior you see the Windows operating system start to load.

Muff821

7 Posts

April 24th, 2004 12:00

I have tried tapping F2, F8, and delete keys.  Since the Logo does not show up, it's been unsuccessful.  Windows starts loading immediately; tapping the keys while it is loading does not work.

I am running Win XP with original keyboard, etc that came with Dell 4500.  I am totally lost, please help.

Majestic

9.4K Posts

April 24th, 2004 13:00

Try clearing the NVRAM.  This will default all the BIOS setting back to their default values and can be useful in resolving boot up problems.  Possibly the Quiet and Silent Boot settings were changed.  Normally you would access the BIOS Setup to clear the NVRAM, but in your situation this is not possible.  The alternative is to remove the battery from the motherboard.  With the machine unplugged, remove the battery from the motherboard and then press the On button for several seconds.  Then re-install the battery and plug the machine back it.  Boot it up and see if your logo has returned.

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