Is there any way to boot the PC into safe mode apart from the "F8-key" method and the msconfig Boot.ini method? The latter does not even show a "boot.ini" tab within msconfig at all.

Are you holding down the F8 key? You should be taping it every second or so during the boot. Holding down the ctrl key works on some systems. Sorry, I do not check for private messages

Why are you trying to go into safe mode ? When Google isn't your best pal

You cannot start Windows XP in Safe Mode http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

I have just removed the notorious "Pinfi" virus from my hard-drive, and of course, in order to ensure that it has been completely eliminated I must run my anti-virus software in safe mode. I tap the F8 key incessantly, but nothing happens. This is very strange, and I have never encountered this issue before. Judging from the link that Johnw posted, I have to reinstall Windows entirely in order to do this. It's ridiculous that all of this is necessary due to a single virus. Thank you for all of your help.

Nope, if this is all a virus, do the basics. First job to do, go here. ActiveX Spyware & Adware Scanning http://www.spywareinfo.com/xscan.php This scanner is an ActiveX applet. After a short delay in which your browser downloads the control file, you will receive a "Warning Dialogue" requesting permission for the scanner to run. Click "Yes" and the applet will pop up and scan. You will be alerted if any spyware is found. When a spyware or malware is found, you will be alerted and asked if you want to remove it. If no spyware is found, the scanner will disappear on its own. If nothing happens, or if you are using a browser other than Internet Explorer, click here and choose either "Open" or "Run this program from its current location". Do not choose "Download". http://www.xblock.com/download/xclean_micro.exe Malware Removal and Prevention: Introduction http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction Malware Removal and Prevention: Overview http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Overview If Your PC is Infested w/ Spyware & Adware... http://spywarewarrior.com/sww-help.htm http://spywarewarrior.com/viewtopic.php?t=6914 http://spywarewarrior.com/viewtopic.php?t=10 http://spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=30 Important: Create a specific folder on your hard drive called HijackThis to keep its backups. You can do this by going to My Computer (Windows key+e) then double click on C: then right click and select New then Folder and name it HijackThis. Download and unzip HijackThis.exe into this folder. http://www.merijn.org/downloads.html Or, http://tomcoyote.com/hjt/ If possible run HJT in Normal mode ( not Safe ) with all your normal startup's working. HijackThis Tutorial - How to Analyse your own log http://spywarewarrior.com/viewtopic.php?t=3624 HijackThis log file analysis ( online ) http://hijackthis.de/index.php?langselect=english Or, http://startup.networktechs.com/page-68.html http://hjt.iamnotageek.com

MCshadyPL, Try the possible fixes for the missing Boot.ini tab at the link below. Boot.ini tab is missing in MSCONFIG Tufenuf