Start Windows in Safe Mode

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Start Windows in Safe Mode

Friday, 10 April 2009 15:52

Starting windows in safe mode simply tap the F8 key while booting up. This is used mainly used to remove spyware or some other program or process that starts when your pc is booted.

Starting Windows in Safe Mode with F8

When starting windows in safe mode only a few programs and processes are loaded to run windows. There will be some key that will not operate while working in safe mode such your internet connection. It will also only use your windows standard video settings, so it may look perciliar on screen at the low resolution.

However, because just essential programs and files are loaded in Safe Mode, this will allow you to remove spyware, adware, viruses and such that cannot be removed in Normal Mode. Follow the instructions below to Start windows in Safe Mode for your specific version of Windows.

Windows 95 - Safe Mode

Restart the computer.
Just after the POST diagnostics and memory count, start pressing the F8 key
On the Startup Menu, select Safe Mode

Windows 98/Me - Safe Mode

Restart the computer.
Just after the POST diagnostics and memory count, start tapping the F8 key
On the Startup Menu, select Safe Mode

Using the System Configuration Utility Method

While in Normal mode, Close all programs.
Click Start, Run and type MSCONFIG in the box and click OK
In the System Configuration Utility, on the General Tab, click the Advanced Button
In the Advanced Troubleshooting Settings dialog box, check Enable Startup Menu. Click OK. Click OK again when the System Configuration Utility reappears.
You will be prompted to restart the computer. Click Yes. The computer will restart in Safe mode.
When you are finished with troubleshooting in Safe mode, open MSCONFIG again and uncheck "Enable Start-up Menu." under the Advanced Menu, then click OK and restart your computer

Windows 2000 - Safe Mode

If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power
Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
When you see the black-and-white Starting Windows bar at the bottom of the screen, start tapping the F8 key. The Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu appears.
Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected. In most cases, it is the first item in the list and is selected by default.
Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
When you are finished with all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.

Windows XP - Safe Mode

If Windows XP is the only operating system installed on your computer, booting into Safe Mode with these instructions.

If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power
Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected.
Press Enter. The computer should start in Safe mode.
When you are finished with all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.

To use the System Configuration Utility method

Close all open programs.
Click Start, Run and type MSCONFIG in the box and click OK
The System Configuration Utility appears, On the BOOT.INI tab, Check the "/SAFEBOOT" option, and then click OK and Restart your computer when prompted.
The computer restarts in Safe mode.
Perform the troubleshooting steps for which you are using Safe Mode.
When you are finished with troubleshooting in Safe mode, open MSCONFIG again, on the BOOT.INI tab, uncheck "/SAFEBOOT" and click OK to restart your computer

Windows as part of a multiboot system

Use this method ONLY if you have multiple operating systems installed on your computer.

If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power
Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
When the Boot loader menu (list of the available operating systems) appears, use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select the version Windows what you want
Press Enter, and then immediately begin tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears.
Scroll to and select the Safe mode menu item, and then press Enter.

Remember, if you are having running problems, usually after installing new software or hardware, it may be necessary to start windows in safe mode using the F8 key to resolve the problem.

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