Quick Links:

• Windows Vista
• Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003
  
  

Windows Vista:

1. Click on the "Windows Orb" button (formerly called the "Start" button).
   
   
2. Click on the small right arrow next to the small lock icon, then select Restart from the pop-out menu.
   
   
3. As your computer restarts, watch closely for a screen that designates your computer's manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Gateway). As soon as this screen appears, immediately begin repeatedly tapping the F8 key (on the top row of your keyboard). Be careful NOT to hold down this key.
   
   
4. If this action successfully interrupts the normal restart, you will see the Advanced Boot Options menu, as shown in the following illustration. If you get your usual Windows startup screen instead, repeat Steps 1-4.
   
   
   
   
5. Use the keyboard arrows to highlight the first option in the list, “Safe Mode,” and press Enter.
   Be careful NOT to select either of the other two Safe Mode options (“Safe Mode with Networking,” “Safe Mode with Command Prompt”)
   
   
   
6. If you are prompted to select an operating system, use the keyboard arrows to highlight the appropriate one for your computer and then press Enter.
   
   
7. In a few moments, your computer will start in Safe Mode. If you are asked to login, do so with the same user name and password that you normally use.
   


8. When your Desktop appears, take the desired action; e.g., run a virus scan or a removal tool.
   


9. When you are finished, restart the computer normally.
   
   

Windows XP / Windows 2000 / Windows Server 2003:

1. Click on the Start button, usually in the lower left corner of the screen.
   
   
2. Click on Shut Down.
   
   
3. In the Shut Down window, click on Restart.
   
   
4. As your computer restarts, watch closely for a screen that designates your computer's manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Gateway). As soon as this screen appears, immediately begin repeatedly tapping the F8 key (on the top row of your keyboard). Be careful NOT to hold down this key.
   
   
5. If this action successfully interrupts the normal restart, you will see the Windows Advanced Options Menu, as shown in the following illustration. If you get your usual Windows startup screen instead, repeat Steps 1-4.
   
   
   
   
6. Use the keyboard arrows to highlight the first option in the list, “Safe Mode,” and press Enter.
   Be careful NOT to select either of the other two Safe Mode options (“Safe Mode with Networking,” “Safe Mode with Command Prompt”)
   
   
   
   
7. If you are prompted to select an operating system, use the keyboard arrows to highlight the appropriate one for your computer and then press Enter.
   
   
8. In a few moments, your computer will start in Safe Mode. If you are asked to login, do so with the same user name and password that you normally use.
   


9. When your Desktop appears, take the desired action; e.g., run a virus scan or a removal tool.
   


10. When you are finished, restart the computer normally.
    

Page last modified October 19, 2007 by helee2