How to Start Windows in Safe Mode

When your computer is acting glitchy and you want to run some diagnostics, it's a good idea to boot up using Safe Mode. Safe Mode only loads the bare minimum of software used to make your operating system work. In Microsoft Windows XP, there are two ways to boot your computer using Safe Mode--the F8 Mode and the System Configuration Tool.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Use the F8 Mode

1. Restart your computer by clicking "Start" then "Turn Off Computer" then "Restart." If your system is completely frozen, hold the power button for 10 seconds, then press it again to power back up.

2. Start pressing the "F8" key repetitively on your keyboard as your computer boots up. If you get an error message, try again, waiting a few seconds before tapping the "F8" key.

3. Peruse the "Windows XP Advanced Options" menu, looking for the "Safe Mode" option. Select this using the arrow keys and press "Enter" on your keyboard.

4. Reboot your computer in Windows XP Normal Mode after you complete your diagnostics.

System Configuration Tool

1. Close all your programs so all you see is the desktop. Click on "Start" then "Run."

2. Type "Msconfig" into the "Run" field then click "OK." This signals the System Configuration Utility to start up.

3. Look for the tab saying "BOOT.INI" and click on it. Check the box that says "/SAFEBOOT" then click "OK." When you see the button marked "Restart," click it.

4. Complete your diagnostics after restarting then follow Steps 1 through 4 again, but this time, take the check away from the box labeled "/SAFEBOOT." Click on the "General" tab and set it for "Normal Startup" and reboot.