If you are using XP then this is the way to get to Safe Mode in XP;
Exit all programs.

Click Start > Run.
In Run dialog box, type the following text:
msconfig

Click OK.

In the System Configuration Utility, on the BOOT.INI tab, check /SAFEBOOT.

If you still cannot get to Safe Mode then run all the steps in Normal. But if you can get to Safe Mode this way then please do so.

Click OK.

When you are asked to restart the computer, click Restart.

The computer restarts in Safe mode. This can take several minutes.

After you complete the work in Safe mode, use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows XP in Normal mode.