Safe mode helps you diagnose problems
Safe mode helps you diagnose problems. If a symptom does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and minimum device drivers as possible causes. If a newly added device or a changed driver is causing problems, you can use safe mode to remove the device or reverse the change.
There are circumstances where safe mode will not be able to help you, such as when Windows system files that are required to start the system are corrupted or damaged. In this case, the Recovery Console may help you.
Safe Mode also bypasses startup programs. Bypassing startup programs reduces system complexity and enables you to see whether a startup program is the source of the problem.
In safe mode, the operating system does not run network-based startup programs. To enable network logon scripts in safe mode, select Safe Mode with Networking on the Windows Advanced Options Menu.
To start your computer in safe mode:
1. Remove all floppy disks and CDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
2. When prompted, press F8. If Windows XP Professional starts without displaying the Please select the operating system to start menu, restart your computer. Press F8 after the firmware POST process completes, but before Windows displays graphical output.
3. From the Windows Advanced Options Menu, select a safe mode option listed in the following list:
(Windows 2000 Boot menu screenshot)
Safe Mode: Loads the minimum set of device drivers and system services required to start Windows XP/2000/2003. User specific startup programs do not run.
Safe Mode with Networking: Includes the services and drivers needed for network connectivity. Safe mode with networking enables logging on to the network, logon scripts, security, and Group Policy settings. Nonessential services and startup programs not related to networking do not run.
Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Starts the computer in safe mode, but displays the command prompt rather than the Windows GUI interface.
Enable Boot Logging: Creates a log file (Ntbtlog.txt) in the system root folder, which contains the file names and status of all drivers loaded into memory. System root is an environment variable that can vary from one system running Windows XP/2000/2003 to another.
Enable VGA Mode: Starts the computer in standard VGA mode by using the current video driver. This option helps you recover from distorted video displays caused by using incorrect settings for the display adapter or monitor.
Last Known Good Configuration: Restores the registry and driver configuration in use the last time the computer started successfully.
Debugging Mode: Starts Windows XP/2000/2003 in kernel debugging mode, which allows you to use a kernel debugger for troubleshooting and system analysis.
Start Windows Normally: Starts Windows XP/2000/2003 in normal mode.
Reboot: Restart the computer.
