How to start the computer in Safe Mode

[Chris]

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In Windows, what is 'Safe Mode' used for and why?

For a good answer to this, please click here.

How to start the computer in Safe mode (Quick and General)

F5 - When your computer is starting just keep tapping the F5 key and this should take you straight into Safe Mode.

F8 or Ctrl - When your computer is starting just keep tapping the F8 or the Ctrl key, this should bring up a Startup Menu. Find and select Safe Mode. Now press enter; this will then take you into Safe Mode. [see pic below, taken from Windows XP]

Advanced...

For Windows 98/ME users, click Start and then Run.

Type: msconfig

Now click OK. (see pic below)

Now click Advanced. (see pic below)

Now place a tick in the box next to Enable Startup Menu.

Then click OK. (see pic below)

Restart your computer and you should see a Startup Menu with 5 options to choose from. Choose option 3 which is Safe Mode and press enter.

Click OK to the message box that will pop up. (see pic below)

You should now find yourself in Safe Mode.

Note: You should see Safe Mode in the four corners of the screen. (see pic below)

Important: If you want to stop your computer from starting in Safe Mode, then remove the tick in the box next to Enable Startup Menu (you can do this from safe mode).

Advanced...

For Windows XP users, click Start and then Run.

Type: msconfig

Now click OK. (see pic below)

Now click BOOT.INI at the top.

Now place a tick in the box next to /SAFEBOOT.

Then click OK. (see pic below)

Your computer should now restart in safe mode.

System Restore: If you wish to use system restore click No. If you would just like to use safe mode but without system restore click Yes. (sse pic below)

Note: You should see Safe Mode in the four corners of the screen. (see pic below)

Important: If you want to stop your computer from starting in Safe Mode, then remove the tick in the box next to /SAFEBOOT (you can do this from safe mode).

Windows 2000 Users

As this version of Windows does not include msconfig, please follow these steps to start your computer in Safe Mode.

Further Reading:

How Windows 95 Performs a Safe-Mode Start

How to Start a Windows 98-Based Computer in Safe Mode

Description of Safe Boot Mode in Windows 2000

A Description of the Safe Mode Boot Options in Windows XP

If you are a Windows ME user, then i would like to hear from you. As ME does have SR i would like to know if this is this mentioned in safe mode [like XP].

[kesser]

Most useful, I thought I knew how to start in safe mode & I did but I also now know a few other ways to go about it! Ta!

[Chris]

Updated: Added new Image.