Why 'Safe Mode'?

[Bob]

I see many people say to scan for virus, malware, adaware, etc. in
the safe mode.
Why is that? Why shouldn't I do these things while in regular mode?
Or even in the background while I do something else?

Thanks.

 

[Jarhead]

When using the safe mode feature, it only load's minimal drivers and only a
few programs, that way if there is a virus, spyware, adware, then usually it
can be picked up by the program scanning for it. If you try it in regular
mode, some of those viruses and spyware can Hook or Hide into the System
Restore, or the Application.

Mick "Jarhead" Barker

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I see many people say to scan for virus, malware, adaware, etc. in
the safe mode.
Why is that? Why shouldn't I do these things while in regular mode?
Or even in the background while I do something else?

Safe mode only loads essentials.
It does not do the startups and such that may be actively infecting your
system.
This allows the scanners to do their job without having to fight additional
battles.

 

[Mikhail Zhilin]

Bob,

In Safe Mode only the vital drivers and programs are loading -- so in
short, most likely that viral programs won't run, and won't prevent
antivirus program from killing them.

--
Mikhail Zhilin
http://www.aha.ru/~mwz
Sorry, no technical support by e-mail.
Please reply to the newsgroups only.
======

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Some viruses like to ensconce themselves in areas Windows protects while
using them. Safe mode will prevent those application accesses, and hence
unprotect the viruses.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[Plato]

I see many people say to scan for virus, malware, adaware, etc. in
the safe mode.
Why is that? Why shouldn't I do these things while in regular mode?
Or even in the background while I do something else?

Because safe mode often allows the pc to work without the nasties
running and interfering with the removal operation.