Make XP machine permanently boot into safe mode with networking

[Mattbot2]

Hello,

I'm using an XP computer as a bridge to get internets to our two Xbox 360's. At the moment, the PC (Dell dimension 2350, 2.0ghz celeron, 512mb ram) takes a while to start up. Safe mode with networking would make it boot much quicker. Does anyone know how to make it so it does the following

- Boots up and gives me the option to boot to any mode, so if I actually want to do something on it I can.
- Default's after 10 seconds of nothing to safe mode with networking

If that makes sense?

Cheers,

Matt

[Steve]

Why not just fix the cause of the slow boot? Possibly a startup app, or a dodgy driver that you can uninstall if you don't really need.

[Mattbot2]

It's an old machine, always started up slow. 7 years old.

[Funkstar]

Doesn't XP use hard drives in PIO mode while in Safe Mode?

Seems really strange that Safe Mode is quicker than a normal boot. I think Steve is right, there is something else wrong with the system.

[Trash Man]

Buy a router? Stops the need in having a computer on for you to use the Xbox on the net.

[[GSV]Trig]

I would normally suggest that you boot and have a look in a certain microsoft config program, but if your the kinda person that'd rather boot in safe mode than fix the problem your probably not the kinda person that should be messing about with config programs.

[Mattbot2]

Buy a router? Stops the need in having a computer on for you to use the Xbox on the net.

I do have a router. But it's downstairs. Wireless adapter for Xbox 360 = £50

I would normally suggest that you boot and have a look in a certain microsoft config program, but if your the kinda person that'd rather boot in safe mode than fix the problem your probably not the kinda person that should be messing about with config programs.

I know what MSCONFIG is, don't patronize me.

[Splash]

I know what MSCONFIG is, don't patronize me.

In which case... check the /SAFEBOOT box and NETWORK radio button in boot.ini tab of MSCONFIG.

Seriously though, that hardware shouldn't take too long to boot a vanilla install of XP.

[Steve]

I know what MSCONFIG is, don't patronize me.

I don't think he's patronising you, more he's making the point that fixing the cause of the problem would be a better way to tackle this, but that you don't seem to want to.

But do as the previous poster says and that should give you safe mode w/ networking.

[[GSV]Trig]

I know what MSCONFIG is, don't patronize me.

I was stating fact
If you'd rather find a work around and not fix the actual problem, that is your problem, believe me if I were patronising you, you know. You claim to know what MSCONFIG is but missed the /safemode option, maybe you dont know it as well as you think you do...

[francium]

To be honest the most efficient solution would be to dual boot linux on a separate partition - you could then install only the network daemons etc that were needed to make your pc work as a network bridge and linux would not have to load up anything else (GUI etc) when it boots up. Im afraid i wouldnt know how to install a specialised setup such as that but im sure somebody here might be able to help

[Mattbot2]

Sorry about that post guys, that was wrong of me, wasn't patronising at all. Was having a row with someone in my family, apologies. I had looked into linux but it's in no way easy to set up a network bridge. It doesn't take too long, but it's just that, when you want to go on the xbox, I just want to switch it on and it work. what I think i'm going to do, is disable all un necessary stuff in boot from MSCONFIG then write a batch file to start them all up if i want to actually use the computer, may also buy 1gb RAM for it.

Cheers, sorry.

[tomw]

I believe that you can fiddle with c:\boot.ini and change the 'default' to what you desire. I haven't investigated deeply, but know you can put more than one line in there, as I have BARTPE, and Recovery Console as options in mine. I don't plan on messing with it to find out, but it does allow for the options and they do work.
tom

[Salazaar]

Have you considered selling the PC and using the procedes to buy another wireless router with ethernet ports (but without an ADSL modem) and use it as a wireless bridge to the router downstairs?

These sort of things:
http://www.scan.co.uk/Index.aspx?NT=1-0-49-295-0

Basically doing what your PC is doing but without the need of running a full PC. You'd probably end up with a bit of cash in hand as well.

[tomw]

This works for win2k... probably work for XP... tom
Sample Boot.ini File with "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" Switch

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT="Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server" /fastdetect /SAFEBOOT:MINIMAL(ALTERNATESHELL)



MORE INFORMATION
The Safe-mode boot modes and corresponding switches include: • Mode: Safe Mode
Switch: /safeboot:minimal /sos /bootlog /noguiboot
• Mode: Safe Mode with Networking
Switch: /safeboot:network /sos /bootlog /noguiboot
• Mode: Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Switch: /safeboot:minimal(alternateshell) /sos /bootlog /noguiboot
• Mode: Enable Boot Logging
Switch: /bootlog
• Mode: Enable VGA Mode
Switch: /basevideo
• Mode: Directory Services Restore Mode (Domain Controllers Only)
Switch: /safeboot:dsrepair /sos
• Mode: Debugging Mode
Switch: /debug

[JimmyBoy]

well how does the internet come upstairs? cant you just buy a router to recieve that internet connection or a network access point? think of planet earth