How do I Install patch in Windows Safe Mode

[Usualwill]

I've been unable to connect to multiplayer and EA Support have been helping me to resolve (and I use the word helping very loosely!!)

They have now advised me to install the BF2 patch whilst I'm in Windows Safe mode.

Can anyone tell me how I do this please?

Thanks

[maforduk]

Why do you need it done in SAFE MODE for?

[Usualwill]

Thats a very good question and to be honest I don't know the answer. I've been having a nightmare time getting into multiplayer - every time i click to join server my system hangs and I eventually need to reboot.
I've tried everything - updated drivers, bunkpuster, patched, uninstalled Norton Internet Security, bought new PSU, took router off, checked packet loss, reinstalled CDKey etc. but BF2 just takes 100% of CPU usage and hangs my system. Its only an Athlon XP2000+ but still within minimum requirements and I have nothing else running...

One thing I did notice is that where the servers are listed there is a bar on the far left hand side next to each one which is either red,amber or green. For me this is always red which must be bad (i mean green=good and red=bad right?)

Anyway EA support have now told be to manually uninstall BF2 and then reinstall which I have done.

They then told me to install patch in WINDOWS SAFE MODE. I don't know why but I'm guessings its to ensure that no other apps are conflicting with the install??

At the moment this game is very close to going in the bin which is a shame because I love the game in singleplayer where it plays fine. I've asked EA Support if the next patch will resolve the problem but they have so far not answered the question.

Anyway if anyone has any guidance/advice I'd be grateful.

Cheers,

[Gunny Highway]

Just before the Windows boot logo press F8 (several times to be sure) then you will see options on how to start XP, just select the top one called Safe Mode.

EDIT:

Here is a link to how Microsoft explains it:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/boot_failsafe.mspx

[Usualwill]

Thanks for the input. Once in safe mode can I just use navigate to the patch and double click it to install or do I have to use DOS commands?

Sorry for the dumb questions but I've never installed anything from safe mode.

Thanks again

[maforduk]

Once in SAFE MODE, just install as normal!!
I've never used D.Mode but I don't see why this wouldn't work!

[BoloMarkXXX]

Sounds like they think it might be a problem with your LAN card or onboard LAN, booting in Safe Mode LAN drivers won't be loaded. Check for updates for your card or onboard & also check to see if maybe XP loaded more than 1 driver, sometimes XP will list more than 1 device (go figger ) & delete all but the right 1 for your system.