- Start Windows in Safe Mode
Start Windows in Safe Mode
Updated: 2/07/2008
Article ID: 21
Start your computer in safe mode to help identify problems that cannot be detected when you start your computer normally.
Note: When you start your computer in safe mode, you must log in as an administrator. Be sure you know the Windows user ID and password you need to log in as an administrator.
Select your computer system, and then follow the steps:
 | Tip: Safe mode is a diagnostic procedure that can isolate problems that occur during normal Windows startup. In safe mode, Windows uses only basic files and drivers. This helps to uncover problems caused by conflicting hardware settings, incorrect configuration settings, incompatible programs, and so on. |
Windows Vista
Follow these steps to start your computer in safe mode:
- Click the Start button, choose Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.
- On the Boot tab, select the Safe boot check box, and then click OK.
- Click Restart.
Windows XP
Follow these steps to start your computer in safe mode:
- Click the Start button, choose Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.
- On the BOOT.INI tab, select the /SAFEBOOT check box, and then click OK.
- Click Restart, and then click Yes at the "Windows is running in safe mode" message.
Windows 2000
Follow these steps to start your computer in safe mode:
- From the Windows taskbar, click Start, and then choose Shut Down.
- Select Restart, and then click OK.
- As Windows restarts, press the F8 key repeatedly until the black-and-white Starting Windows screen appears.
- From the Windows 2000 Advanced Options menu, select Safe Mode with Networking, and then press Enter.
Windows Me
Follow these steps to start your computer in safe mode:
- Click the Start button, and then choose Run.
- Type msconfig, and then click OK.
- Click the General tab, select the Diagnostic Startup option, click Apply, and then click Close.
- Click Yes when prompted to restart your computer.
- From the Windows Millennium Startup menu, select Safe Mode, and then press Enter.
Windows 98
Follow these steps to start your computer in safe mode:
- Click the Start button, and then choose Shut Down.
- Select Restart, and then click OK.
- Immediately press and hold down the Ctrl key until the Windows 98 Startup menu appears.
- Select Safe Mode, and then press Enter.
Windows NT
Follow these steps to start your computer in safe mode:
- Click the Start button, and then choose Shut Down.
- Select Restart, and then click OK.
- When the Startup menu appears, select VGA mode, and then press Enter.
Note: Use VGA mode because Windows NT does not have a safe mode option.
Windows 95
Follow these steps to start your computer in safe mode:
- Click the Start button, and then choose Shut Down.
- Select Restart the computer, and then click Yes.
- When "Starting Windows 95" appears, press the F8 key repeatedly until the Windows 95 Startup menu appears.
- Select Safe Mode, and then press Enter.
