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.
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
@Robert,
Next time you boot the system, you can switch back to normal mode.
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.
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.
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
Error after going to start>run>cmd:
net start msiserver
Error:
Can not start in safe mode
Hi,
The error concerning “Too Many Command Line Parameters” is the result of missing space characters between the parameters.
… /VE /T REG_SZ /F /D %Service%
Hi,
This article fails to mention that there are two kind of safe mode in the registry: Network and Minimal.
Thanks
You blog post is exactly what I think I need because my computer was infected by a virus. However, I’m getting “Error: Registry editing has been disabled by your administrator”, the problem being is I am the administrator and I have only one user(me) and there is no password. I am using Vista Ultimate, which might explain some not needed safety feature that is not needed. My question is how do I enable registry edit?
Thanks so much, Jon
To Jon Thompson>use method 2 on this site >http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/156/1/Error-Registry-editing-has-been-disabled-by-your-administrator-when-you-open-the-Registry-Editor-in-Windows-Vista.html
im currently in the same situation as you and i’ve had to do this still in safe mode though
ok i need help here im stuck with the safe mode thingy my computer is too slow it shouldnt be it has a gig of RAM and well its in pretty good shape whenever i try to use the normal or standard mode or whatever you call it it wont start it will either freeze on the welcome screen or after it right after the desktop appears
i cant install or uninstall anything!!
In the post of “Sam Cranford”, there is a little error in part: “then name it MSIService”. The correct is name to “MSIServer”. If you tape the msiservice and try to start the service using “net start msiserver” the windows will return the error 1084 “the service cannot be started in the safe mode”. if you put the msiserver and try to start the windows installer will start sucessfully.
Thanks for the comments Aaron/Sam ! worked for me.
[...] In order to install/uninstall a software in safe mode, you will have to add a registry key as said here. A back door entry to start the windows installer [...]
my computer is Windows XP and I’m trying to uninstall my security CA but it failed to uninstalled due to safe mode, my question is how to remove my computer in safe mode… email me at melbsmg04@hotmail.com
I recently got a new dell inspiron laptop but when i registered McAfee a series of trojans and malware come up. First i had winsoftbue then pcenter and i can only run ma laptop in safe mode because of the bluescreen. How can get rid of the viruses but keep files like Itunes without resetting my laptop. Please help.
Jamal
jamal-lawrence1@hotmail.com
great advice for those suffering at the hands of a virus which has messed up the file registry on their computer, saves times having to re-install!
Thanks!
Adding a “MSIServer” key with default value “Service” in the registry (via regedit) and then “net start msiserver” on the command line fixed it for me!
Worked for me right after I renamed the key MSIServer.
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