In Windows 2000, XP, or Vista, how can I boot into Safe Mode?

Safe Mode is a special diagnostic version of Windows that bypasses some Windows startup files. If you have a problem with your hardware configuration or your computer's display drivers that prevents Windows from loading normally, you may be able to resolve the problem by booting into Safe Mode and changing the relevant settings. To enter Safe Mode in Windows 2000, XP, or Vista:

Note: If you have more than one partition installed, you may need to select an operating system and press Enter before entering Safe Mode.

1. Turn on or restart your computer. To restart your computer, press Ctrl-Alt-Del, select Shut Down, and then, from the drop-down list, select Restart. Click OK.
   
   
2. After the memory test, the words "Starting Windows" will appear on a black background. When this happens, press and hold the F8 key. This will present a screen with the following options to choose from. The exact moment that F8 is pressed will determine the contents of the list, and the list may vary from computer to computer. For example, your computer may not do a memory test or it may have a SCSI BIOS to load in addition to the motherboard's BIOS. If you have trouble getting the list below to appear, restart the computer and then press F8 repeatedly while the computer is starting.
   
   
   • Safe Mode: Boots Windows with only the basic drivers needed to load the operating system. Uses basic drivers for mouse, keyboard, display (VGA), mass storage, and default system services and drivers, with no network components. In Windows 2000, a log file will be created to track the progress of the system boot, which is located in the Windows 2000 folder.
     
     
   • Safe Mode with Networking: Loads the Safe Mode configuration, but also enables network devices and services. In Windows 2000, a log file will be created to track the progress of the system boot, which is located in the Windows 2000 folder.
     
     
   • Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Loads Windows in Safe Mode, and, after logging in, opens a command prompt instead of the normal desktop. In Windows 2000, a log file will be created to track the progress of the system boot, which is located in the Windows 2000 folder.

     Note: You should try booting to the command prompt only if you feel comfortable operating within the DOS environment.

   • Enable Boot Logging: Boots Windows with all of the normal files and drivers, but writes their status to a log file at each step. In Windows 2000, this log file is located in the Windows 2000 folder and is named ntbtlog.txt.
     
     
   • Enable VGA Mode: Boots Windows using a plain VGA 16-color 640x480 display driver for the highest level of compatibility with video cards. In Windows Vista, this mode is called Enable Low-Resolution Video. It is otherwise identical.
     
     
   • Last Known Good Configuration: Boots Windows using the last registry configuration that is known to work. This is a way of undoing problems created by installing incorrect drivers or possibly by registry corruption. It will not, however, fix problems caused by corrupted or missing files.
     
     
   • Debugging Mode: Boots Windows while sending debug information through a serial port to another computer. It's useful in the case of a persistent "blue screen" or "stop" error.
     
     
   • Directory Services Restore Mode: Vista only. Starts the Windows domain controller running Active Directory so that directory service can be restored. This option is intended for system administrators.
     
     
   • Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure: Vista only. This option is intended to correct a loop wherein Windows fails, reboots, and fails again, thus initiating endless reboots.
     
     
   • Disable Driver Signature Enforcement: Vista only. Windows Vista, by default, insists on properly Signed drivers. A driver is considered to have a valid "Driver Signature" only after it has been tested and approved by Microsoft. Some advanced users prefer to use certain third-party drivers, which are not tested by Microsoft. This option enables the system to use third-party, non-Microsoft approved drivers, though at their own risk.
   
   
3. Use the arrow keys to move up or down this menu to make your selection, and then press Enter. If you have to update software or access the Internet while in Safe Mode, select "Safe Mode with Networking".