BleepingComputer.com: Safe Boot

I have been having virus/malware issues. I downloaded spybot search and destroy to scan the computer as mcafee doesn't seem to be taking care of the trojans it detects.

I read somewhere to run the scan in safe mode so malware wouldn't be able to protect itself. When i pressed F8 and attempted to start windows in safe mode, the computer just shut off and started with the standard screen that pops up when windows doesn't shut down normally.

So I ran msconfig and check the "SAFEBOOT" option. Now, windows attempts to boot in safe mode, shuts down, and returns me to the standard screen you're brought to when then computer doesn't shut down normally. the catch being that when i attempt to start windows normally, the screen goes blue very quickly and just shuts down. So it seems my computer is in an endless cycle.

Malware is a common cause of safe boot not working, as well as normal boot. To avoid viruses reinstalling themselves, you can disable system restore. Chances are your boot.ini is altered. Try running /sfc scannow, you may need your OS disk.

How to start Windows in Safe Mode

Scroll down to the section "Problems that can occur by forcing Safe Mode using the System Configuration Utility".

Thank you very much for your help. I will attempt to fix this problem once I locate the Windows XP disk. I believe it is in storage. I will post again with the results.

I strongly suggest, you travel to malware section and you run prescribed steps.

If you cannot find your XP CD you can create your own Recovery Console disk:

How to Create a Bootable XP Recovery Console CD