When removing a problem file on Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista, you may need to use the command prompt only version of Windows Safe Mode.
What to do
On Windows 2000
- Go to Start|Shut Down.
- Select Restart from the dropdown list and click 'OK'. Windows will restart.
- Press F8 when you see the following text at the bottom of the screen "For troubleshooting and advanced startup options for Windows 2000, press F8".
- In the Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu, select the third option "Safe Mode with Command Prompt".
- When requested, logon as local administrator.
On Windows XP and Windows 2003
- Go to Start|Shut Down.
- Select 'Restart' from the dropdown list and click 'OK'. Windows will restart.
- Press F8 repeatedly as the computer boots up to get to the Windows Advanced Options Menu.
- In this menu, select the third option "Safe Mode with Command Prompt", then select Windows XP or Windows 2003.
- When requested, logon as local administrator.
On Windows Vista
- Go to Start, and click the arrow for the shut down options menu.
- Select 'Restart'. Windows will restart.
- Press F8 repeatedly as the computer boots up to get to the Windows Advanced Options Menu.
- In this menu, select the option "Safe Mode with Command Prompt".
- When requested, log on as an administrator with full admninistrative rights.