How to Start a Computer in Safe Mode

Safe Mode Screen

When your computer will not start normally, stalls or shuts down only after you have waited for start up, using the safe mode may be in order. Starting in safe mode may help restore your computer's functionality and pinpoint the cause of errors.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Microsoft Windows

Instructions

1. Depress the button on your computer tower to start.

2. Depress and hold the F8 key on your computer keyboard to begin the process to start a computer in safe mode. Do this immediately after you push the button to start the computer. You may hear a few beeps or receive a keyboard error. This will not hurt your computer. You may have to repeat steps 1 and 2 until the computer remembers to go into safe mode.

3. Select "safe mode" on the dark screen with choices. You do not need networking at this time, so it is not necessary to select that.

4. Click the "cancel" button that will appear on your screen after the computer starts. This is the choice that does not perform a system restore. This is also the confirmation that you have started in safe mode.

5. Click "turn off computer" when you are finished working in safe mode.

Tips & Warnings

• If you miss the point where you should press and hold the F8 key, just push the button to start over.

• In the event F8 does not start the computer in safe mode after several tries, consult your computer manufacturer. It may be a different key.