asked on

GRUB boot-loader commands for XP safe mode?

I changed a video setting using NVidia's software today. I asked it to switch resolutions and instead of coming back after 15 seconds, it just sits there with the monitor complaining about an unacceptable refresh rate. Rebooting does not solve the problem.

Normally this could be solved from safe mode, but I boot from GRUB so there is no point to press F8 and boot into any safe mode.

Is there a command line that i can pass GRUB that will open XP in safe mode?

Here is my grub line currently:
rootnoverify (hd0,1)
chainloader +1

is there a /safemode switch I can add?

Otherwise, how on earth can I fix this (normally) simple problem?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

jgiordano

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stevenlewis

in linux, can you edit the boot.ini if so see here
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/1268/

stevenlewis

should be /safeboot
but I think you have to edit the boot.ini

frozenJim

ASKER

Well, recovery console isn't a problem if I boot from CD. But can I go from there to Safe Mode?

Or is there another way to change video resolution settings from recovery console?

frozenJim

ASKER

stevenlewis: Could you please paste this solution into a comment so I can list it as the accepted solution? I'll award you the points.

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OK, boys and girls. I'm handing the points to stevenlewis because the magic PHRASE was "boot.ini" even though "/safeboot" was inaccurate. However that information was useless without knowing to use the recovery console to get into XP as pointed out by jgiodano so I wish I could split the points.

However, the REAL ANSWER is a bit more complex.

Here's what I did to get back in without uninstalling or reinstalling anything:

STEP 1: BOOT FROM XP INSTALLATION CD
- Choose to enter console mode

STEP 2: USE BOOTCFG TO ADD NEW LOADER TO BOOT.INI

- List existing loaders
c:\WINDOWS> bootcfg /list

Total entries in boot list: 1

[1] "Microsoft Windows XP Professional"
OS Load Options: /fastdetect
OS Location: C:\WINDOWS

- Add new loader with /basevideo switch

c:\WINDOWS> bootcfg /add

The Windows installation scan was successful.

Note: These results are stored statically for this session.
If the disk configuration changes during this session,
in order to get an updated scan, you must first reboot
the machine and then rescan the disks.

Total identified Windows installs: 1

[1]: C:\WINDOWS

Select installation to add: 1
Enter Load Identifies: James
Enter OS Load Options: /basevideo

- Verify new loader was correctly installed

c:\WINDOWS> bootcfg /list

Total entries in boot list: 2

[1] "James"
OS Load Options: /basevideo
OS Locatoin: C:\WINDOWS

[2] "Microsoft Windows XP Professional"
OS Load Options: /fastdetect
OS Location: C:\WINDOWS

-------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks guys. Problem solved.

frozenJim

ASKER

Oh hey, I CAN split points! Great. Either one of you, please copy my solution and I'll up the points to 500 and split it between you both.

thanks.

SOLUTION

stevenlewis

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