You can normally restart a computer with a Windows 7 operating system by accessing the "Start" menu, pressing the arrow button next to Shut Down and choosing the Restart system option. If you need to find the cause of a problem, press and hold the F8 function key while the computer is starting up to access the advanced boot menu.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Restart Windows 7
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the relevant button
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.
Alternatively, you can press the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard for instant access to the "Start" menu without using the mouse
Step 2. Press the arrow button> located to the right of Shut Down
You can also access this menu without using the mouse, simply by pressing the right directional arrow on the keyboard twice and the Enter key in succession
Step 3. Choose the Reboot System option
Your computer will restart automatically.
- To select the indicated option without using the mouse, just press the R key on the keyboard while the drop-down menu with the stop and restart options is visible on the screen.
- If you have any programs or applications running that are preventing Windows from automatically restarting, press the Restart anyway button.
Method 2 of 2: Use the Advanced Startup Options Menu
Step 1. Remove any optical media present inside the computer
These are floppy disks, CDs and DVDs.
If your computer is set to boot from USB memory devices as well, you will also need to disconnect any external hard drives or USB sticks currently connected to the system
Step 2. Shut down your computer
If you wish, you can also simply reboot the system.
Step 3. Start your computer
If you have chosen to reboot, you can skip this step.
Step 4. Press and hold the F8 function key while the computer is starting up
This will give you access to the "Advanced Boot Options" menu
Step 5. Use the directional arrows on your keyboard to select one of the available boot options
You should have a combination of options similar to the following:
- Safe mode with networking - Safe mode is useful for solving problems that may occur when using a computer, as it boots the system by loading only the operating system and the minimum number of drivers (in this case also the driver card). network) excluding all unnecessary software;
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt - in this case the system will boot giving the user only the option to use the command prompt instead of the Windows GUI. Normally this mode is used only by the most experienced users;
- Enable Boot Logging - This option creates a text file called "ntbtlog.txt" that stores everything that happens during system startup and can be used to troubleshoot problems that may prevent your computer from starting normally. This startup mode is also designed for more experienced users;
- Enable low resolution video - in this case Windows starts using the standard video card driver and the default refresh and resolution settings. This is an ideal startup mode for solving problems related to incorrect video settings or related to the graphics card;
- Last Known Good Configuration (Advanced) - if you are struggling with boot problems or OS instability, this mode will boot your computer using the latest driver and registry configuration that ensured normal device operation;
- Debug mode - in this case Windows will start in an advanced troubleshooting mode, which provides diagnostic tools dedicated to industry professionals;
- Disable automatic restart on system error - this option prevents Windows from restarting automatically in the event that a system error has prevented it from starting normally (for example due to an error blue screen). This startup mode is useful when the computer fails to complete the startup phase and keeps trying to restart;
- Disable Driver Signing Enforcement - This boot mode allows loading of non-certified drivers that have been installed during normal system use. It is good to use this option only and exclusively when you are sure that the third-party drivers installed on your computer come from safe and reliable sources;
- Start Windows normally - this option will proceed to boot the operating system without any modifications or restrictions whatsoever;
Step 6. Press the Enter key
The computer will start using the selected Windows 7 mode.
