How Do I Boot Into Safe Mode? - Search Again

SUMMARY

Safe Mode is a special diagnostic mode that bypasses 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. Other devices, including the CD-ROM, parallel ports, and serial ports may not be available. (Windows 98 does provide access to your CD-ROM while in Safe Mode).

SOLUTION

If your computer is running Windows 95

1. From the Windows Start menu, go to Shut Down and click Restart.


2. As the computer restarts, watch for a message that reads Starting Windows 95...

Note: You'll see this message while the screen is still text-only before any Windows splash screens appear.

3. When this message appears, immediately press F8.


4. From the Windows Start-up menu, type the number for the Safe Mode option or press F5.

Note: If the Start-up menu does not appear, restart your computer and repeat Steps 1 through 3.

5. Wait for your desktop to appear. Your computer will run slower, and your icons will appear larger with fewer colors. The words Safe Mode appear in all corners of your screen. Make the necessary repairs (for example, uninstall programs or devices).


6. When the repairs are done, restart the computer, and allow it to boot normally.

1. From the Windows Start menu, go to Shut Down and click Restart.


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

Note: On some keyboards you can press and hold the flying Window key. On some computers, the F8 key can be used instead of the CTRL key.

3. From the Windows Start-up menu, type the number for the Safe Mode option or press F5.


4. Wait for your desktop to appear. Your computer will run slower, and your icons may appear larger with fewer colors. The words Safe Mode appear in all corners of your screen. Make the necessary repairs (for example, uninstall programs or devices).


5. When the repairs are done, restart the computer, and allow it to boot normally.

1. From the Windows Start menu, go to Shut Down and click Restart.


2. As the computer restarts, watch for the message For troubleshooting and advanced startup options for Windows 2000, press F8 at the bottom of the screen.


3. Press F8 before the message clears the screen.


4. From the Windows Start-up menu, type the number for the Safe Mode option.


5. Wait for your desktop to appear, and then make the necessary repairs (for example, uninstall programs or devices).


6. When the repairs are done, restart the computer, and allow it to boot normally.

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Last updated: Thursday, May 10, 2001

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