Cant Boot Hp Pavilion Desktop in Safe Mode

[plhennessey]

I can not boot the the system in to safe mode. Esc, F1, F2, F8 all boot normal .  Control Panel -> Admin Tools-> Ssyetm Configuration will not let me se Safe Mode!

Any ideas?

Thasnk in advance,

Paul

[TheOldMan]

Getting into Safe Mode sometimes is tricky.  Depending on the Windows version, sometimes it won't show you a chance before it is too late.  What I tell people - as soon as the computer starts to start, start tapping F8.  Do not hold or only tap once but tapping about every 1/2 second on F8 until Windows gives you a choice to pick safe mode, normal start, previous good configuration ETC.  Then pick just safe mode by scrolling thru the coices until that is highlighted.  The hit enter.

If you get the Windows is starting screen, it is too late. You missed the chance.  Plan on starting over.

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

Open up the RUN window and enter the following: MSCONFIG

See the below image.

[TheOldMan]

All right!! Did not know that little tidbit. 

[zedgo]

I realize this is an old thread but I had an identical issue where I could not enter safemode by tapping F8 at boot on a Pavilion desktop.

I found my solution by Right Clicking computer and selecting Properties > Advanced System Settings in the left pane. Click the Settings button under Startup and Recovery.  Make sure the box next to Time to display recovery options when needed is checked and set the amount of time to 15 seconds.

After doing this I was able to boot to Safe Mode using F8. If you cannot check the box because it is greyed out make sure you have bootstat.dat in C:\Windows. If not create one and copy to C:\Windows.

Edit: This was Windows 7.