Brief Introduction

Windows Safe Mode is a system diagnostic mode, where the user -- whether instructed by an expert or on their own -- can perform administrative tasks and diagnostics with little to no services or applications running. Using Windows Safe Mode is not usually risky and can allow the user to make changes that cannot be performed in Normal Mode.

Also note: only basic video drivers load, so Safe Mode will make Windows look less designed. As it uses the classic skin, it helps keep processor utilization to a minimum.

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

Methods

Method 1: F8

Press the F8 key immediately when Windows starts, usually right after you hear your computer beep when it is rebooted. You will be brought to a (black screen, white text) menu where you can choose to boot into safe mode (note: if you do not press F8 in time, reboot and try again. It can be tricky, but by repeatedly pressing it upon boot, you should be able to get it eventually). (All versions of Windows listed above use the F8 method)

Example of Startup menu screen:


(Note: some Startup menu screens vary, but this is the most basic).

Method 2: System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG)

• Click Start, then click Run. (In Windows Vista and 7, use Start Search). Type in MSCONFIG, then press Enter or OK.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • For Windows 98 and ME, press the Advanced button (General tab): place a checkmark in the box "Enable Startup Menu" - then press the OK button to leave the Advanced window, then press the OK button again to exit the System Configuration Utility -- you will be prompted to restart, so press Yes when that prompt appears. (To disable the Startup Menu after we have finished configuring, repeat the steps necessary to uncheck "Enable Startup Menu").
    
    
  • For XP: Click the Boot.ini tab. Put a check-mark next to the box labeled /SAFEBOOT. Then, click OK. You will be prompted to Restart, so press the Restart button. (To disable the SAFEBOOT option after we have finished configuring, repeat the steps necessary to uncheck /SAFEBOOT).
    
    
  • For Vista and 7: Click the Boot tab. Put a check-mark next to the box labeled Safe boot. Press Apply and press OK. You will be prompted to Restart, so press the Restart button. (To disable the Safe boot option after we have finished configuring, repeat the steps necessary to uncheck Safe boot).

(Win98, ME, XP, Vista, and 7 use the System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG))