Summary

Question

Answer

Safe mode is a troubleshooting mode available in Windows 95, 98, ME, and 2000. When starting your computer in safe mode, only the operating system and mouse, keyboard, and display drivers are loaded. You may be able to start your computer in safe mode when it otherwise would not start at all. Safe mode allows you to troubleshoot the operating system to determine what is not functioning properly. For example, adding new software or hardware to your computer can cause conflicts. Safe mode is a way to locate the problem. You can attempt to run an application or use a hardware device in safe mode to determine if it is the cause of an error or if the error lies elsewhere, such as in the operating system.

To start your computer in safe mode:

Windows 95: Press F8 when Windows displays the Starting Windows 95 message and select Safe Mode from the menu.

Windows 98/ME: As soon as you turn your computer on, press and hold the Ctrl key down until you see the Start Menu, and then select the Safe Mode.

Windows 2000: Press F8 when Windows displays the "Please select the operating system to start, press F8" message.