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Starting In Safe Mode

These procedures for starting Windows in safe mode come from the Microsoft web site :

To start a Windows XP-based computer in Safe mode, follow these steps:
  1. Print these instructions before you go to step 2. They will not be available after you shut down the computer in step 2.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Use the F8 key. On a computer that is configured to start to multiple operating systems, you can press F8 when you see the Startup menu.
  4. Use the arrow keys to select a Safe mode option, and then press ENTER. Note NUM LOCK functionality must be turned off for the arrow keys on the numeric keypad to work.
  5. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot system, use the arrow keys to select the installation that you want to access, and then press ENTER.

In Safe mode, you have access to only basic files and drivers (such as mouse, monitor, keyboard, mass storage, base video, default system services, and no network connections). You can select from the following options:

  • The Safe Mode with Networking option loads all these files and drivers and the services and drivers necessary to start networking.
  • The Safe Mode with Command Prompt option is the same as Safe mode except that a command prompt starts instead of the graphical user interface (GUI).
  • The Last Known Good Configuration option starts your computer by using the registry information that was saved the last time that your computer shut down.
     
To start a Windows 2000-based computer in Safe mode, using the F8 method :
  1. If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power.
  2. Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
  3. When you see the black-and-white Starting Windows bar at the bottom of the screen, start tapping the F8 key. The Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu appears.
  4. Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected. In most cases, it is the first item in the list and is selected by default. (If it is not selected, use the arrow keys to select it.)
  5. Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode. This can take a few minutes.
  6. When you are finished with all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.
To start a Windows 98-based computer in Safe mode, use any of the following methods.

Method 1
  1. Restart your computer.
  2. While your computer restarts, press and hold the CTRL key until the Windows 98 Startup menu is displayed. NOTE: If you are using the EZDrive tool, press F8 instead of CTRL.
  3. Select the Safe Mode menu option from the Startup menu, and then press ENTER.

Method 2

  1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Information.
  2. On the Tools menu, click System Configuration Utility.
  3. Click Advanced, and then click to select the Enable Startup Menu check box.
  4. Click OK, click OK, and then restart your computer when you are prompted to do so.
  5. Select the Safe Mode menu option from the Startup menu, and then press ENTER.


Method 3

  1. Insert a non-bootable floppy disk in the floppy disk drive, and then restart your computer.
  2. When you receive the "Non-system disk or disk error. Replace and strike any key when ready" error message, remove the floppy disk from the floppy disk drive.
  3. Press F8, and then press F8. When you do this, the Windows 98 Startup menu is displayed.
  4. Select the Safe Mode menu option from the Startup menu, and then press ENTER.
     

Method 4

  1. Restart your computer in MS-DOS Mode.
  2. From a command prompt type "win /d:m" without the quotation marks.