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lextec

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Why does the computer respond differently in Safe Mode vs. Diagnostic Startup?

I have an "out of memory and disk space" error message from AOL that I am trying to fix.  The error appears in normal mode.  When I reboot into Safe Mode with networking or safe mode, the error disappears.  So then when I reboot into the "Normal" desktop with a Diagnostic Startup with Win.ini, Drivers, etc. disabled the error returns.  So I am wondering why in diagnostic mode the error appears and not in safe mode.  If the drivers or startup modules causing the trouble are loaded before safe mode, wouldn't the error occur in safe mode?  I am pretty experienced and I can't figure this one out.
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funnymanmike
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the reason the computer responds differently is the nature of windows.

keep in mind windows is a collection of programs always running in the background. when choosing safe mode or different modes, some programs and services simply don't start up.

i would recommend downloading autoruns (a Microsoft/systools) and really see whats running. don't turn anything off you don't know and double check everything online.

this will be a good start to help you with your problem.

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lextec

ASKER

So, Diagnostic Mode and Safe Mode are different?
each option you have when you boot up your os, loads a different set of programs that is windows, they are both similar.

safe mode is designed to turn a lot of user controlled stuff off so you can fix any settings changes. like screen size issues, or un-install of software or to run a virus scan.
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Safe Mode boots only basic drivers and services. It allows you to go in and test hardware, bypass ALL startup items, and to troubleshoot Nornal Mode Startups (when the PC doesnt boot in Normal Mode).
Selective Startup is almost the same thing, but you can control what starts and what doesnt start, so it is not an all or nothing scenario....
Since it doesnt error in Regular Mode, I would have to say a service/AOL Driver is shot. It more than likely doesnt start those services in Safe Mode (Selective mode they might have been enabled, ya never know...).
If an interfering service/startup item is not found, I would do a complete uninstall/cleanup of the app, and use something like Revo Uninstaller to clean up the remnants.
Just remember to backup your PFC, and any other AOL related Data before using the uninstallers.....
Then redo the installation......
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ASKER

Thank you for the current suggestions.  I CAN boot and connect using Safe mode with networking. But AOL crashes as soon as it auto connects in "normal mode".  The false error I am troubleshooting appears and AOL crashes.  So something is interfering beyond the loading phase of basic drivers.  When I deselect everything but microsoft services in the msconfig utility, I get the same error even though I have disabled Startup, Win.ini, specific services, etc.  I need many of the Microsoft services to connect to the network.

I have used the Revo Uninstaller and even a registry utility to go into further detail removing every scrap of AOL and Norton.  I have cleaned out their sibling programs as well.  I have redownloaded and reinstalled 3 times fresh.  I have run System File Checker, scanned for spyware,  but again it works in Safe Mode with Networking.
I would do an upgrade to Service Pack 3 if not running it yet......
if your going to pay for Microsoft services i would recommend doing a re-install first, could save you more money in the long run. just make sure you backup everything, check the backups, then the first thing you do when you re-install is upgrade everything
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Does anyone know the exact differences between Safe Mode and Diagnostic startup?  This goes to the original question.   I have located at least the indirect cause of the trouble.  When the Microsoft plug and play service is disabled the problem disappears but then the other related services that depend on plug and play are also disabled.  So disabling this Microsoft service is not an option.  Why AOL can't work and connect in Normal mode is still a mystery.  If the plug and play service is  not in "play" in Safe Mode with Networking and it connects, why doesn't the same apply in Normal mode with it disabled?  At least there is some progress in that I know where to focus my efforts but the mystery still remains.  I was hoping to gain a better understanding of the differences between these two modes if any, so that I could better diagnose.  Service Pack 3 had already been installed.  Thank you in advance.
Safe mode is is a diagnostic mode. in safe mode you will have reduced functionality, but the task of isolating problems is easier because many non-core components are disabled(turned off). An installation that will only boot into its safe mode typically has a major problem, such as disk corruption or the installation of poorly configured software that prevents the operating system from successfully booting into its normal operating mode.
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johnb6767
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