How to access Safe Mode

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What is Safe Mode?
Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode used by Windows systems. When in Safe Mode, you will have limited functionality, but the task of isolating problems is easier because many non-core components are disabled (turned off). That is  the reason why you see many techies booting to the Safe Mode whenever they want to troubleshoot a problem!


So how do I access Safe Mode?
The following instructions are for Windows 2000 and XP only.


Windows 2000

1) If the computer is running, shut down your computer.
2) After about 10 seconds, turn it on again.
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.
5) Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
6) When you are finished with all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.


Windows XP


If you have installed only XP:

1) If the computer is running, shut down your computer.
2) After about 10 seconds, turn it on again.
3) 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.
4) Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected.
5) Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
6) When you are finished with all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.


If you have installed XP in a multi-boot system (this means your computer has multiple operating systems!):

1) If the computer is running, shut down your computer.
2) After about 10 seconds, turn it on again.
3) When the Boot loader menu (list of the available operating systems) appears, use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select the version Windows what you want
4) Press Enter, and then immediately begin tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears.
5) Scroll to and select the Safe mode menu item, and then press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
6) When you are finished with all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.



If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the forums!