Unable to get into safe mode but normal mode works just fine?

[notsobig]

Hmm, so how shall I troubleshoot this one? Anyone have any ideas? I'm reinstalling windows just for this, but not sure if it really worth it. If there is alternative fix I'd like to try it first. Thanks.

[GoNz0]

try typing

sfc /scannow

into the run command, get your xp cd at the ready, and you will need to run windows update again if it works.

if that fails try a windows repair before the format ?

[notsobig]

Ok thanks I'll try that.

[notsobig]

Looks like the problem was due to a firewall program I used. I have uninstalled it now and all is well now

[GoNz0]

wasnt zone alarm was it ?

how strange it stops safe mode action

[notsobig]

No it was Tiny Personal Firewall but very old one. I had no problem with it until very recently though. Could be recently installed windows updates have done something bad to it? I don't know. Anyway, thanks for your help gonzo, appreciated

[GoNz0]

no probs