This article explains how to start a computer, both in normal mode and in "safe" mode, so that you can run system diagnostics for problems. In safe mode, only the main drivers and programs of the computer that are essential for its operation are loaded into memory, no programs will start automatically and the video resolution and graphics functions will be reduced to a minimum.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Start a Computer Normally
Step 1. Make sure your computer is connected to the mains
If you are using a desktop system you will not be able to start it without first plugging it into a power outlet. In the case of a laptop you can start it using the remaining battery charge, but to avoid problems or if the battery is almost completely discharged it is still better to connect it to the mains.
- If you plugged it into a power strip rather than a wall outlet directly, make sure the switch on the power strip is on.
- A laptop power supply cable should normally be connected to the appropriate port located on the right or left side of the computer case.
Step 2. Locate the computer's power button marked with the symbol
The "Power" button symbol consists of a circle with a vertical segment at the top. The location of this button varies from computer to computer, but you can usually find it in one of the following places:
- Laptop - the power button is located on the right, left or front side of the body. In some cases it is part of the set of keys that make up the computer keyboard and is located at the top or bottom of the keyboard.
- Desktop - the power button is located on the front or back of the computer case. The case of a desktop system is the metal parallelepiped to which the monitor cable and the keyboard cable are connected (unless it is a wireless keyboard). Some iMac models have the power button located on the back of the monitor or on the keyboard.
Step 3. Press the power button
It is not necessary to press and hold the "Power" button to start the computer. At this point you should hear that the computer's internal cooling fan has started spinning and that the hard drive has started running. After a few seconds the monitor should light up and the startup or login screen should appear (if the computer was off or was simply in "sleep" mode).
- If you are using a laptop, you will first need to lift the screen by pulling it upwards to expose the computer keyboard to view.
- If you are using a desktop computer and after pressing the "Power" button it does not start, try pressing the power button on the monitor as well. In some cases you may find yourself in the situation where the computer has booted up successfully, but it is the monitor that is simply turned off.
Method 2 of 4: Restart a Computer in Safe Mode (Windows 8 and Windows 10)
Step 1. Press the computer's power button
The "Power" button symbol consists of a circle with a vertical segment at the top. In order to start a computer with Windows 8 or Windows 10 operating system in safe mode, it must first be turned on normally.
If necessary, connect the computer to the mains using a normal power outlet or the power supply (in the case of a laptop)
Step 2. Click on the login screen
When the computer completes its startup procedure (or exits from hibernation) an image and the system clock should appear on the screen in the lower right corner of the screen. Click anywhere on this screen to display the menu that allows you to select the user account to log in with.
Step 3. Click on the "Stop" icon
It is characterized by a circle with a vertical segment located at the top and is located in the lower right corner of the screen.
Step 4. Locate the ⇧ Shift key on your keyboard
It should be placed on the left side of the latter.
Step 5. Hold down the ⇧ Shift key as you click on the option Reboot the system.
The option Reboot the system will be displayed above or below the "Stop" icon. Restarting the computer while holding down the ⇧ Shift key will bring up the advanced boot menu, from which you can choose to boot the system in safe mode.
After clicking on the item Reboot the system, you may need to click on the button Restart anyway. If this is the case for you, do so by continuing to hold down the ⇧ Shift key.
Step 6. Wait for the advanced boot menu to appear
This is a blue screen with the options displayed in white.
Step 7. Click on the Troubleshoot item
It should be displayed in the center of the screen.
Step 8. Click on the Advanced Options item
It is the last option on the menu.
Step 9. Click on the Startup Settings option
It is located on the right side of the appeared screen.
Step 10. Click on the Restart item
It is located at the bottom right of the screen.
Step 11. Wait for the computer to restart
At the end of this phase you will see a blue screen appear with a menu written in white characters inside.
Step 12. Press the F4 function key
This will select the "Enable Safe Mode" menu option and the system will boot into Safe Mode.
Step 13. Wait for the computer to boot into safe mode
The time it takes to complete this step varies based on your computer's data processing speed.
Method 3 of 4: Restart a Computer in Safe Mode (Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7)
Step 1. Locate the F8 function key
It is located at the top of the computer keyboard. To view the advanced computer boot menu you will need to hold down the F8 key while the system is starting up.
If you are using a laptop, you may need to hold down the Fn key (located on the left side of the keyboard) and the F8 function key in order to enable Safe Mode
Step 2. Press the power button on your computer
This will start the computer.
If the system was in sleep mode, press and hold the "Power" button until the computer turns off, then press it again to start it again
Step 3. Press and hold the F8 function key
You will need to perform this step immediately after starting your computer. This will bring up the Windows boot menu which will allow you to boot the system in safe mode.
If nothing happens while holding down the F8 key, restart your computer and hold down the Fn + F8 key combination
Step 4. Press the ↓ key on your keyboard repeatedly until the "Safe Mode" menu option is selected
The indicated key should be located on the right side of the keyboard.
Step 5. Hit the Enter key after selecting the "Safe Mode" option
The computer will start in safe mode.
Method 4 of 4: Start a Mac in Safe Mode
Step 1. Locate the ⇧ Shift key on your Mac keyboard
It is located on the left side of the computer keyboard.
If necessary, connect your Mac to a power source or power adapter before continuing
Step 2. Press the Mac's power button
This will start your computer.
If your Mac was in sleep mode, you'll need to shut it down by pressing and holding the "Power" button and then start it up again
Step 3. Hold down the ⇧ Shift key
You need to perform this step right after pressing the power key on the Mac.
Step 4. Release the ⇧ Shift key when the Apple logo appears on the Mac screen
The screen where the Apple logo is visible has a progress bar at the bottom of the screen. At the end of the boot phase, you will have the option to log in with your account and use your Mac in secure mode.
Advice
- On both a Mac and a Windows computer, at the end of the operating system boot phase, you will be asked to provide the login password of the account registered on the machine.
- To exit "safe mode" simply restart your computer. This solution is valid for both Mac and Windows systems.
