How do I start my system in Safe Mode?

How do I restart my system in Safe Mode to run Scandisk and Defrag?

This question was answered on November 25, 2002. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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You may find that you need to start Windows in Safe Mode at some point This is most often the case if you are having problems with disk maintenance utilities

Here is a guide that shows you how to restart in Safe mode in the following versions of Windows:

- Windows 95

- Windows 98/ME

- Windows 2000

- Windows XP

- Windows XP Home Edition

Windows 95

Click "Start"

Select "Shutdown"

Select "Restart The Computer" and click "OK"

Repeatedly tap the "F8" key on your keyboard as your PC restarts

If your PC starts beeping then pause for a few seconds before tapping again

Windows 98/ME

Click "Start"

Select "Shutdown"

Select "Restart The Computer" and click "OK"

During restart, hold down the "Ctrl" key on your keyboard until the Windows Startup menu appears

If your PC starts beeping then release the key for a few seconds before holding it down again.

Select "Safe Mode" from the Startup menu, and press the "Enter" button on your keyboard

Windows 2000

Click "Start"

Select "Shutdown"

Select "Restart" and click "OK"

During restart, hold down the "F8" key on your keyboard until the Windows Startup menu appears

If your PC starts beeping then release the key for a few seconds before holding it down again

Select "Safe Mode" from the Startup menu, and press the "Enter" button on your keyboard

Windows XP

Click "Start"

Select "Turn off computer"

Select "Restart"

During restart, hold down the "F8" key on your keyboard until the Windows Startup menu appears

If your PC starts beeping then release the key for a few seconds before holding it down again

Select "Safe Mode" from the Startup menu, and press the "Enter" button on your keyboard.

About the author

Posted by Ken Colburn of Data Doctors on November 25, 2002

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