Safe Mode

When Windows has a problem and fails to boot properly, the next time you boot it will usually offer the options you have listed. Safe Mode starts Windows with the bare minimum of drivers and without any “launch at start-up” programs. It gives you a chance to investigate the problem even when you can’t boot fully into Windows. If you have anti-malware software installed, you can try to run a scan in case the problem was caused by malware. Most anti-malware will scan in Safe Mode, though typically real-time protection is disabled.

Safe Mode with Networking is exactly what it says—Safe Mode with additional components enabled to make network connection possible. Safe Mode with Command Prompt give you only a Command Prompt to work with; it’s rarely necessary.

Windows Safe Mode loads a basic video drivers so your programs may look different than normal.

For Win98/ME, XP, Vista and Windows 7 there are two methods of booting into Safe Mode, while 95 and 2000 only have one. We will describe these methods below:

F8 – By pressing the F8 key right when Windows starts, usually right after you hear your computer beep when you reboot it, you will be brought to a menu where you can choose to boot into safe mode. If it does not work on the first try, reboot and try again as you have to be quick when you press it. I have found that during boot up right after the computer shows you all the equipment , memory, etc installed on your computer, if you start lightly tapping the F8 key you will usually be able to get to the desired menu.

Tags: Safe Mode

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