How To Reboot Windows in Safe Mode

The instructions to reboot Windows in safe mode varies among operating system versions. In this article, we will outline the steps necessary for Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7.

We will also review the various options you have when starting a computer in safe mode. These options include the ability to run with networking functionality, or the use of your system’s command prompt.

Running your computer in safe mode, rather than in normal mode, provides many troubleshooting benefits. Via the logon screen, this mode allows you to log into a Windows session without loading drivers, or third-party software to diagnose system errors, hardware, or software problems, or to run a safe mode virus scan.

With the introduction of Microsoft’s Windows 95 operating system, came several built-in diagnosing programs. Safe mode has since been available in all Windows versions, except Windows NT 3.0 and 4.0.

If you have difficulty booting your computer into safe mode, try the following…

• If you receive a ‘stuck key’ error message during the process, reboot the PC by pressing and holding down the Ctrl & Alt keys, and pressing the Del key once. This will reboot the computer once again; upon startup, continue to tap the ‘F8′ key until you see the ’Advanced Options Menu’ screen.
• If you still have trouble booting into safe mode, turn off your computer. Turn it back on, and don’t press any keys. Your computer should present a screen stating your computer did not restart properly, and present an option to load Windows in safe mode.

Safe Mode Booting Instructions

To boot your PC in safe mode, start by selecting the appropriate set of steps below, based on the operating system you have. Notice that some operating systems have the same process.

Windows 7 and Vista

Follow these steps to boot your Windows 7, or Windows Vista computer into safe mode.

1. Reboot computer; upon restart, press and hold down the ‘F8′ key on your keyboard.
2. This should have brought you to a screen that says ‘Advanced Options Menu’ (see image below)
3. Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, select the safe mode you would like to boot into. For descriptions of each, please see the section below entitled, ‘Understanding Safe Mode Options’.
4. Once finished in safe mode, to reboot back into Normal mode, restart your computer as usual

Windows XP and 2000

Follow these steps to boot your Windows XP, or Windows 2000 PC in safe mode.

1. Boot your computer to the ‘Advanced Options Menu’ by pressing and holding the ‘F8′ key (see image below)
2. Use your keyboard’s arrow keys to select the safe mode you wish to boot into. See the section at the end of this article for descriptions of safe mode options.
3. Once you have finished running diagnostics, or whatever the reason for booting into safe mode, restart your computer, as normal, back into Normal mode

Windows 98

Follow these steps to boot your Win 98 PC into safe mode.

1. By pressing and holding the ‘F8′ key upon rebooting your computer, you should be brought to the ‘Windows 98 Startup’ screen, pictured below
2. Simply select the respective option to boot into safe mode
3. After you have completed your safe mode tasks, reboot your PC back into Normal mode

Understanding Safe Mode Options

On certain versions of Windows, you are provided a list of options for booting into safe mode.

Safe Mode: This is the basic troubleshooting option, and has no advanced support

Safe Mode with Networking: This option provides the basic support of Safe Mode, plus your computer’s networking functions

Safe Mode with Command Prompt: This safe mode option provides the ability to use Windows CMD (Command Prompt) function