How to Start your Windows Computer in Safe Mode

Windows Vista

  1. If the computer is on, from the Start menu (in the lower-left corner of the screen), shut down Windows.
  2. Turn the computer off.
  3. Turn the computer on. The computer will begin processing a set of instructions known as the "Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)." What you see on the monitor depends on the BIOS manufacturer. Some computers display a progress bar that refers to the word BIOS, while others may not display any indication that this process is happening.
  4. As soon as the BIOS has finished processing, begin tapping the F8 key on your keyboard. Continue to do so until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears.

    NOTE
    If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this problem, restart the computer and try again.

  5. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to scroll through the menu options, and then select the Safe mode menu option.
  6. Press ENTER.

Windows XP

  1. If the computer is on, from the Start menu (in the lower-left corner of the screen), shut down Windows.
  2. Turn the computer off.
  3. Turn the computer on. The computer will begin processing a set of instructions known as the "Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)." What you see on the monitor depends on the BIOS manufacturer. Some computers display a progress bar that refers to the word BIOS, while others may not display any indication that this process is happening.
  4. As soon as the BIOS has finished processing, begin tapping the F8 key on your keyboard. Continue to do so until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears.

    NOTE
    If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this problem, restart the computer and try again.

  5. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to scroll through the menu options, and then select the Safe mode menu option.
  6. Press ENTER.

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Last updated August 4, 2008
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