How to Start Windows in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that evades Windows startup files, allowing you to fix problems that are keeping your computer from functioning normally. Only the keyboard, mouse, and VGA display drivers are loaded when running in Safe Mode.

For each version of Windows, there are two ways to boot the computer to Safe Mode. We suggest that you try the "F8" key method listed first.

If your computer is running Windows 95:

A)

  1. Restart the computer.

  2. As the computer restarts, while the screen is still text-only, before any Windows screens appear, you'll see a message that reads: Starting Windows 95.... When this message appears, immediately press F8.

  3. On the Windows Start-up menu, press F5. If the Start-up menu does not appear, restart your computer and repeat Steps 1 and 2.

  4. Your desktop will appear, your computer will run slower, and your icons will appear larger with fewer colors. In all corners of your screen, the words Safe Mode will show. Make the necessary repairs.

  5. Restart the computer and allow it to boot normally.

B)

  1. On the Windows Start-up menu, choose Shut Down.

  2. Choose Restart in MS-DOS mode and click OK.

  3. From the C:\ prompt, type WIN /D:M and press Enter.

If your computer is running Windows 98 or Windows ME:

A)

  1. On the Windows Start-up menu, choose Shut Down and click Restart.

  2. As the computer restarts, press and hold the CTRL key.

  3. On the Windows Start-up menu, press F5.

  4. Your desktop will appear, your computer will run slower, and your icons will appear larger with fewer colors. In all corners of your screen, the words Safe Mode will show. Make the necessary repairs.

  5. Restart the computer and allow it to boot normally.

B)

  1. On the Windows Start-up menu, click Run.

  2. In the Open field, type MSCONFIG and click OK.

  3. On the General tab, click the Advanced button.

  4. Check Enable Startup Menu.

  5. Click OK two times and restart your computer.

  6. On the Microsoft Windows Start-up Menu, use your arrow keys, highlight Safe Mode and press Enter.

If your computer is running Windows 2000:

A)

  1. On the Windows Start-up menu, choose Shut Down and click Restart.

  2. As the computer restarts, you'll see a message for troubleshooting and advanced startup options for Windows 2000. Press F8 before the message clears the screen.

  3. On the Windows Start-up menu, type the number for the Safe Mode option.

  4. Your desktop will appear. Make the necessary repairs.

  5. Restart the computer and allow it to boot normally.

B)

  1. On the Windows Start-up menu, click RUN.

  2. In the Open field, type BOOT.INI and click OK.

  3. At the end of the last line, add a space and type /SAFEBOOT:MINIMAL.

  4. Save the file, close Notepad and restart.

If your computer is running Windows XP or Windows Vista:

A)

  1. On the Windows Start menu, choose Turn off computer and click Restart.

  2. As the computer restarts, a progress bar will appear at the bottom of the screen, immediately press F8 once every second, before the progress bar reaches the right side of the screen.

  3. On the Windows Start-up menu, highlight Safe Mode and press Enter.

  4. Your desktop will appear. Make the necessary repairs.

  5. Restart the computer and allow it to boot normally.

B)

  1. On the Windows Start menu, click RUN.

  2. In the Open field, type MSCONFIG and click OK.

  3. On the BOOT.INI tab, check /SAFEBOOT.

  4. Click Restart.

If your computer is running Windows NT:

Windows NT does not have a Safe Mode option.