Windows XP Tips: Install/Uninstall Applications in Safe Mode

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When you install any software, if the installation is not proper or because of some other reasons sometimes, Window refuses to boot after restart. Windows can be booted in safe mode in such circumstances, but the installer will not work. When yo reboot in safe mode, you need to create a registry entry for Windows installer to work for install.

NB: If you use the registry editor incorrectly, you might cause serious problems that might require you to reinstall your operating system. Use the registry editor at your own risk. Keep a backup of registry before editing.

To create a Registry entry, open command prompt ( Run->Cmd). Type the following command in the Window- REG ADD HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal\MSIServer/VE/TREG_SZ/F/D %Service%

You can also create a entry from registry editor.

Next start the Windows Installer Service by typing net start msiserver. Once this is done, you will be able to install/uninstall applications in safe mode.

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5 Responses to “Windows XP Tips: Install/Uninstall Applications in Safe Mode”

  1. I am stuck in “Safe Mode!!! I am running Windows Microsoft Victa Ultimate.
    I don’t know how I got into Safe Mode since I was sending an e-mail and all of a sudden there it was, Safe Mode!”

    I would really appreciate some help.

    Bob Watson
    Dillard, Ga. 30537

  2. @Robert,
    Next time you boot the system, you can switch back to normal mode.

  3. Ok, so im 14 years old and need help. Im sick of not having any space what so ever and im TRYING to switch from Windows Vista Home Premium to XP. I’ll go into safe mode then ill put in the disc and ill get the options of “Installing XP, Perform Additional Tasks, and Check System Compatibility.” It wont let me do the installing choice for reasons unknown. When i do system compatibility it wont see if my SYSTEM is COMPATIBLE. When i shut my laptop off (It is a Inspiron 1521) and turn it back on, it has the graphics of a 98′ broken down computer, everything pixalated. But then it has the choice of “Installing XP.” When I try that, it says my system has a newer version of Vista or whatever. Please contact me at my e-mail (jimmy.ralph@yahoo.com) and please help me resolve this issue. Thank you.

  4. When I do this, (specifically, Win XP Home in Safe Mode with Networking) I get the error: Too Many Command Line Parameters. I can easily browse to where I want the key and add it in Regedit, but am not sure what to do after that. Any help would be appreciated.

  5. I got the too many parameters error as well. Here’s the work around:

    Launch RegEdit (start > run > regedit)
    Navigate to the key HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal\
    Right click on the Minimal key in the left hand side, choose New > Key then name it MSIService
    In right hand frame, double click on the default key, and give it the value Service
    Close RegEdit
    Start the service

    Good luck,
    Sam

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