Windows 7 Keeps Booting in Safe Mode [SOLVED]

I will assume you are stuck in a startup pattern…Windows 7 keeps booting in safe mode. You probably are unaware of what caused it, and have a question similar to…My windows 7 desktop was fine a couple days ago, but for some reason, everytime it boots, it now boots only in safe mode. ~flame sword

This can occur for a number of reasons, typically it is Windows operating system sensing an issue and forcing you to load Windows into safe mode to keep autorun programs and installed drivers from running. The solution can vary, so let’s take a look at several possibilities.

Note that I use ‘computer’ interchangeably, as this relates to desktop PC’s, laptops, and tablet PC’s running Windows 7. Additionally, these solutions may also work with previous versions of the Windows operating system.

As you will notice, I have a few easy possible solutions, then ask you to scan for viruses. If you want to make certain you don’t have a computer corrupted by a virus, I recommend following those troubleshooting steps first, or in addition.

Windows 7 Safe Mode Solutions

Start Windows Normally Using The F8 Key

On a reboot of the computer, press the F8 key and select the option to start Windows normally.

Disable Safe Boot

This is the most common solution I have found to work

1. Navigate to Start menu > Run
2. Type msconfig
3. Click on the Boot tab, and deselect the option in the lower section called Safe Boot, if it was checked
4. Click the OK button to close the dialog box
5. Reboot computer

Change Startup Selection

1. Navigate to Start menu > Run
2. Type msconfig
3. Under the General tab, check the box next to Normal startup
4. Click the OK button
5. Reboot computer

System Restore

Note, this is NOT restoring your system to factory defaults, this is utilizing Windows 7 built-in System restore Points.

1. Open Start menu
2. Right-click on Computer (in the right column)
3. Select Properties from the context menu
4. In the System Properties window, click on the System Protection tab
5. Under System Restore, click on the System restore button
6. Follow the instructions

Scan for Viruses

Let’s make certain you don’t have a virus that is causing Windows 7 to keep booting in safe mode. The best way to scan for viruses, and other malicious files, is outside of the operating system. There are a number of antivirus rescue disc’s, though I prefer utilizing the BitDefender Rescue CD.

Basically, it is a process of creating a CD/DVD with specific BitDefender scanning files loaded onto it, and booting to it. For complete instructions, please see: Using BitDefender Rescue CD to Scan For Viruses

Outside of a virus, check out the following other possible solutions…

Scan for Corrupted System Files

This process may take some time, and be sure to have your Windows OS disc handy, as the process may ask you for it to replace files.

1. Navigate to Start menu > All Programs > Accessories
2. Right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator
3. Type in sfc /scannow
4. If the scanning process did find an error, you will be asked to supply the original file destination

Once the scanning/fixing is complete, SFC will display a message telling you such

Advanced Windows 7 Safe Mode Solutions

Windows 7 Startup Repair

Using Windows recovery Environment CD, allow Windows to run a repair sequence to scan for and fix possible issues. You can follow the instructions here: Run Windows 7 Startup Repair

Repair Windows Master Boot Record

Also utilizing the Windows Recovery Environment CD, you will follow a process to fix, or replace the system MBR, and/or BCD.

Please see the following article for detailed instructions: Repair Windows 7 Master Boot Record

LAST RESORT…Complete System Repair

Again, this is a last resort, and I highly recommend trying to find a solution before doing so.

Hopefully, your computer problem, Windows 7 keeps booting in safe mode, is no longer occurring and you are back up and running using one of the solutions above. If not, you can always use our FREE Tech Support service.