by 
The Curious Bag
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Windows XP supports a special diagnostic start-up mode called Safe Mode. This mode attempts to load the minimum number of drivers, features and system services needed for the use of the operating system. It exists to help with troubleshooting and diagnosing problems you may have with your system. But what drivers are still loaded even in Safe Mode?
Video
Windows XP Safe Mode loads a basic, bare bones VGA driver. This is sufficient to display the Windows user interface on the monitor and make the computer usable, but features such as 3-D and hardware acceleration are not loaded.
Storage
Drivers for hard disks, floppies and CD-ROM drives are loaded.
Serial and PS/2 Mice
Drivers for basic serial and PS/2 mice are loaded; however, USB support is not loaded unless the firmware of the motherboard supports the devices by itself.
Basic Keyboards
Basic keyboard functionality is loaded; however, USB keyboards will not have support loaded unless the motherboard supports USB by itself.
Devices Generally Not Loaded
Some devices that are generally not supported by Safe Mode include audio devices, most USB devices and firewire devices. Networking devices may or may not be loaded, depending on whether "Safe Mode" or "Safe Mode with Networking" is selected when booting into Safe Mode.
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