If you choose to start your computer in safe mode, the background will be black and 'Safe Mode' will appear in all four corners of the screen (see Figure 18.4).

You can disable or delete a system service, a device driver, or an application that automatically starts that prevents the computer from starting normally.

Safe mode provides access to Windows XP Professional configuration files, so you can make configuration changes. Safe mode also ignores programs that automatically start up, user profiles, programs listed in the registry to automatically run, and all local group policies. These basic device drivers and system services include the mouse, standard VGA monitor, keyboard, mass storage, default system services, and no network connections. If you select safe mode, Windows XP Professional starts with limited device drivers and system services. Pressing F8 during the operating system selection phase displays a screen with advanced options for booting Windows XP Professional. If your computer will not start, you might be able to start it by using the safe mode. Install and use the Windows XP Professional Recovery Console.Describe how to use the LastKnownGood configuration.

The Automated System Restore Wizard is explained in Chapter 16, 'Backing Up and Restoring Data.'

Windows recovery console xp