How to Start the Computer in Safe Mode

When you start the computer in Safe mode, Windows loads only the drivers and computer services that you need. You can use Safe mode when you have to identify and resolve problems that are caused by faulty drivers, programs, or services that start automatically.

If the computer starts successfully in Safe mode but it does not start in normal mode, the computer may have a conflict with the hardware settings or the resources. There may be incompatibilities with programs, services, or drivers, or there may be registry damage. In Safe mode, you can disable or remove a program, service, or device driver that may prevent the computer from starting.

To troubleshoot startup problems in Safe mode, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Shut Down.
2. Click Restart, and then click OK.
3. When you see the message Please select the operating system to start, press F8.
4. In Windows Advanced Option Menu, use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode, and then press ENTER.
   
   Note NUM LOCK must be off before the arrow keys on the numeric keypad will function.
5. If you are running other operating systems on the computer, click Microsoft Windows Server 2003 on the list that is displayed, and then press ENTER.
6. Do one of the following:
   • If the computer does not start in Safe mode, try starting the computer by using the Recovery Console. If you still cannot start the computer, look for possible hardware problems, such as defective devices, installation problems, cabling problems, or connector problems. Remove any newly added hardware, and then restart the computer to see if the problem is resolved.
   • If the computer starts in Safe mode, go to the next section to continue to troubleshoot the startup issue.