Safe mode is a diagnostic mode you may boot into, it can help troubleshoot and correct issues with windows and installed applications.

Safe mode bypasses normal windows settings and startup programs.

Windows 95 users
To get into Windows 95 safe mode, when you see the message "Starting Windows 95", press your F8 key on your keyboard. In the next menu choose option 3 by pressing the 3 key and press enter.

Microsoft Windows 95 Startup Menu
=============================
1. Normal
2. Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT)
3. Safe mode
4. Step-by-step confirmation
5. Command prompt only
6. Safe mode command prompt only

Enter a choice: 1


 
Windows 98 / ME users
To access Windows 98 / ME safe mode, as the computer is booting press and hold your "F8 key" on your keyboard or press and hold the left or right Ctrl key as the computer is booting up. At the next menu choose option 3 by pressing the 3 key and press enter. 

Note: In some system if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting up you will get a key stuck message. If this occurs, rather then pressing and holding the "F8 key", tap the "F8 key" continuously until you access the boot menu.

Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu
=============================
1. Normal
2. Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT)
3. Safe mode
4. Step-by-step confirmation
5. Command prompt only
6. Safe mode command prompt only

Enter a choice: 1



Windows 2000 / XP users
To acess the Windows 2000 / XP Safe mode interface, as the computer is booting up press and hold your "F8 Key" which will lead to the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.

Note: In some system if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting up you will get a key stuck message. If this occurs, rather then pressing and holding the "F8 key", tap the "F8 key" continuously until you access the boot menu.

Windows Advanced Options Menu
Please select an option:
Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Enable Boot Logging
Enable VGA mode
Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked)
Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows domain controllers only)
Debugging Mode

Start Windows Normally
Reboot
Return to OS Choices Menu

Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight to your choice.



Microsoft Windows Vista users

To access the Windows Vista Safe mode interface, as the computer is booting up press and hold your "F8 Key" which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.

Note: In some system if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting up you will get a key stuck message. If this occurs, rather then pressing and holding the "F8 key", tap the "F8 key" continuously until you access the boot menu.

Choose Advanced Options for: Microsoft Windows Vista
Please select an option:
Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Enable Boot Logging
Enable low-resolution video (640x480)
Last Known Good Configuration (advanced)
Directory Services Restore Mode
Debugging Mode
Disable automatic restart on system failure
Disable Driver Signature Enforcment

Start Windows Normally



How do I get out of safe mode?
Simply restart windows to exit safe mode, you should automatically boot back into Normal Mode.