Many times, for different reasons – to remove a piece of stacked software, troubleshooting, diagnostic purposes or other, you’ll have to start Windows in Safe Mode. In Safe Mode you can run only specific programs and files. Other Windows functions like connecting to the Internet or local network will not be active. Also, standard video driver will be loaded to wash the possible changes in resolution. Follow next steps to learn how to start windows in Safe Mode. Just choose the correct windows version.

Start Save Mode in Windows XP
If Windows XP is the only operating system installed on your computer, booting into Safe Mode with these instructions.

• Turn the computer on.
• Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a “keyboard error” message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
• Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected.
• Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
• When you are finished with all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.

To use the System Configuration Utility method (only for Advanced users):

• Close all open programs.
• Click Start, Run and type MSCONFIG in the box and click OK
• The System Configuration Utility appears, On the BOOT.INI tab, Check the “/SAFEBOOT” option, and then click OK and Restart your computer when prompted.
• The computer restarts in Safe mode.
• Perform the troubleshooting steps for which you are using Safe Mode.
• When you are finished with troubleshooting in Safe mode, open MSCONFIG again, on the BOOT.INI tab, uncheck “/SAFEBOOT” and click OK to restart your computer.

Start Save Mode in Windows Vista
Windows Vista is similar to Windows XP for starting in Safe Mode.

• Turn on the computer.
• Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Boot Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a “keyboard error” message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
• Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected (the top option)
• Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
• When you are finished with troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.

Tags | Howto, Newbie Windows tips, Vista, Windows, Windows XP