S
Sharon F
By default Windows starts in "Normal" mode but there are other ways to
start it. There are several alternative modes. Safe mode is one of them and
it is commonly used for troubleshooting. It provides a very neutral
environment. Some devices and drivers are not loaded at all. Basic drivers
or basic settings are used for the devices that do load. "Startup" programs
that typically run in the background are not started.
During the boot process, the system performs a self test referred to as
POST. POST = Power On Self Test. When that is complete, the boot files are
located and ultimately control is passed from the system BIOS to the
operating system.
To get to safe mode, press F8 after POST and before Windows starts to load.
If you hit it right, the Advanced Start Menu appears. One of the choices in
that menu is to start windows in safe mode. Select that from the menu and
follow the on screen prompts (may include a log on prompt) until the safe
mode desktop appears.