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Windows Safe Mode

Safe mode allows you to start up your Windows machine with a basic operating system configuration.  This can be helpful for troubleshooting startup or operation problems caused by network or hardware settings.  Safe mode is also useful for scanning for and removing viruses and spyware.  For more information on viruses and spyware, see the ITS Help Desk Security Center.

How to Start Up in Safe Mode

1. Restart your computer (click the Start button on taskbar, choose Shut Down, then select Restart).
2. When the screen appears black and the computer begins to start up, press the F8 key repeatedly (about once a second).  A black screen with white text will appear and with start up options.  Note: If the Microsoft Windows image with the Windows symbol appears, then you have passed the point to start up in safe mode.  Repeat the steps to restart your computer and try again.
3. The default option is Start Windows Normally. To start up in safe mode, use the arrow keys on the keyboard and highlight Safe Mode, then press Enter.  (Do not choose Safe Mode with Networking if you believe you have spyware or a virus.) 
4. Depending on the version of Windows you are running, the system may ask you to select an operating system.  Chose the operating system you wish to troubleshoot (most will have just one option, Windows XP Professional, for example).  The system will continue the start up process.
5. If your computer is password protected, you will be required to log in.  You must log in with an account that has administrator access.
6. A message box will appear and ask if you would like to proceed working in safe mode.  Click Yes to continue.
7. To verify that you are in safe mode, look at the corners of the main desktop screen. The words Safe Mode should be in the corners of the desktop.

Once in safe mode, you can use Windows as you normally would, but you will not have access to the Internet.  You will be able to change network or hardware settings that may have caused problems during normal start up or operation.  If you have chosen to start in safe mode because of virus or spyware concerns, you should run a scan with your antivirus program and/or anti-spyware programs.

For more information on the uses of safe mode, see the Microsoft Support Site Safe Mode article.

Return to Windows XP Support Center

Last Updated: 04/24/2008