To Close Windows XP ModeA) Click on the X in the upper right corner of the Windows XP Mode window like you would any other window in Windows 7. (see screenshot below step 19) OR B) In the Windows XP Mode window, click on Action (menu bar) and Close. (see screenshot below step 16) 16. Installing a Program in Windows XP Mode. Check the Run this program in compatibility mode for box. Click on the drop down menu arrow and select Windows XP. NOTE: Always pick the latest Windows version the program was written for to have a better chance of it running properly in Windows 7.
- Launch Xp Mode Application Windows 7
- Running Xp Mode On Windows 7 64 Bit
- Xp Mode Virtual Pc
- Xp Mode Windows 7 64 Bit
Starting your computer in Windows XP Safe Mode can help you diagnose and solve many serious problems, especially when starting normally is not possible.
Not a Windows XP User? See How Do I Start Windows in Safe Mode? for specific instructions for your version of Windows.
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Press F8 Before the Windows XP Splash Screen
To begin entering Windows XP Safe Mode, turn your PC on or restart it.
Just before the Windows XP splash screen shown above appears, press the F8 key to enter the Windows Advanced Options Menu.
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Choose a Windows XP Safe Mode Option
You should now see the Windows Advanced Options Menu screen. If not, you may have missed the small window of opportunity to press F8 from Step 1 and Windows XP is probably now continuing to boot normally if it's able to. If this is the case, just restart your computer and try pressing F8 again.
Here you are presented with three variations of Windows XP Safe Mode you may enter:
- Safe Mode - This is the default option and is usually the best choice. This mode will load only the absolute minimum processes necessary to start Windows XP.
- Safe Mode with Networking - This option loads the same processes as Safe Mode but also includes those that allow the networking functions in Windows XP to work. This is valuable if you may need to access the Internet or your local network while troubleshooting in Safe Mode.
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt - This flavor of Safe Mode also loads a minimum set of processes but will allow access to Command Prompt. This is a valuable option if more advanced troubleshooting is necessary. This Windows XP Safe Mode option is a little different so check out the Windows XP Safe Mode with Command Prompt instructions for more information.
Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, highlight either the Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
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Select the Operating System to Start
Before entering the Windows XP Safe Mode, Windows needs to know which operating system installation you would like to start. Most users only have a single Windows XP installation so the choice is typically clear.
Using your arrow keys, highlight the correct operating system and press Enter.
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Launch Xp Mode Application Windows 7
Wait for Windows XP Files to Load
The minimum system files necessary to run Windows XP will now load. Each file being loaded will be displayed on the screen.
You don't need to do anything here but this screen could provide a good place to start troubleshooting if your computer is experiencing very serious problems and Safe Mode won't completely load.
For example, if Safe Mode freezes on this screen, document the last Windows file being loaded and then search Lifewire or the rest of the internet for troubleshooting advice.
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Login With an Administrator Account
To enter Windows XP Safe Mode, you must log on with an administrator account or an account that has administrator permissions.
On the PC displayed above, both our personal account, Tim, and the built-in administrator account, Administrator, have administrator privileges so either one could be used to enter Safe Mode.
If you're not sure if any of your personal accounts have administrator privileges, choose the Administrator account by clicking on it and then providing the password.
Not sure what the password is to the Administrator account? See How to Find the Windows Administrator Password for more information.
Running Xp Mode On Windows 7 64 Bit
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Proceed to Windows XP Safe Mode
When the 'Windows is running in safe mode' dialog box shown above appears, click on Yes to enter Safe Mode.
Xp Mode Virtual Pc
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Xp Mode Windows 7 64 Bit
Make Necessary Changes in Windows XP Safe Mode
Entry into Windows XP Safe Mode should now be complete. Make any changes you need to make and then restart the computer. Assuming there are no remaining issues preventing it, the computer should boot to Windows XP normally after a restart.
As you can see in the screenshot above, it's very easy to identify if a Windows XP PC is in Safe Mode. The text 'Safe Mode' will always appear in each corner of the screen when in this special diagnostic mode of Windows XP.