If your computer is having trouble, it might be a good idea to start it in safe mode. By activating this mode, you will be able to diagnose and solve the most serious computer problems; it is also a must when the computer fails to start normally. Booting the operating system in this particular troubleshooting mode is simple, and with a little explanation, you can quickly learn how to activate Safe Mode on Windows 7.
Steps
Step 1. Determine if you need to run Safe Mode, which works by only allowing you to load the most essential files and drivers
Anything that is not necessary to start the operating system (such as the software loaded at startup) is not activated. If you have problems booting your computer or something that is acting subtly shortly after the initial power up phase, restart in safe mode.
Step 2. Remove all disks from your computer:
CD, DVD, floppy disk and USB drive. After this, restart your computer.
Step 3. Restart your computer in Safe Mode
You have two different options when it comes to booting into Safe Mode. You can restart your computer and quickly hit the F8 key to load the Advanced Boot menu or you can set Windows to boot directly into Safe Mode. The first option is useful when Windows cannot load, while the second is suitable if you can already log into Windows normally.
- For the first option, press and hold the "F8" key while the computer restarts. Make sure you do this before the Windows screen appears (it's the black screen with the Windows logo). If it has already appeared, restart your computer again and try again.
- For the second option, set the computer to boot into Windows Safe Mode. To do this, open the Run dialog (Windows key + R) and type "msconfig". This will open the system configuration window. Click on the Startup tab and then check the "Safe Boot" box. This will allow you to select the type of safe mode you want to use. The most common choices will be Minimum and Network (see next point).
Step 4. Choose the type of Safe Mode you want to run
After pressing F8, you will be taken to the "Advanced Boot Options" screen. At the top of the list there will be three different ways to load Safe Mode. If you set Windows to boot directly into Safe Mode, you won't see this menu.
- Safe mode. This is the best option if you're not sure what you should choose - the fewest drivers needed to boot into Windows 7 will be loaded. You won't be able to connect to the Internet. It is the "minimum" option to set Windows to boot in Safe mode.
- Safe Mode with Networking. This option loads all the drivers and files from the previous one, but also all the processes that are necessary to allow the creation of networks. Choose this option if you think you need to go to the Internet or a local network while troubleshooting.
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt. This mode loads the same processes as the first option, but gives you immediate access to the command prompt - it is suitable for advanced users who need to solve difficult problems. The Windows graphical environment will not be loaded.
Step 5. Wait for the necessary files to be uploaded
The next screen will show you each file that is uploaded. You don't have to do anything in the meantime, unless the files are all loaded correctly. If the screen freezes at this point, make a note of the last file successfully uploaded and then search the Internet for advice to fix the problem based on that information.
Step 6. Log in to Windows 7
When the login screen appears, log in to an account with administrator privileges. If you have a single user account on your computer, it likely has administrator privileges. If you only have one account and it has no password, you will probably log in automatically.
Step 7. Start the troubleshooter
You will know if the computer is in Safe Mode, because "Safe Mode" will be written in all four corners of the screen. Safe Mode is a great place to run virus and malware scans, uninstall annoying programs, and edit the registry.
- After finishing in Safe Mode, restart your computer to return to a normal Windows 7 session.
- If you set your computer to boot in Safe Mode via the System Configuration box, you must open it again while in Safe Mode and uncheck the "Safe Boot" option in the Boot tab. If you don't, your computer will keep restarting in safe mode when it opens.
