by Mark Hamburger

Created on: April 30, 2008

Windows Safe Mode is a useful tool for diagnosing and correcting common problems in Windows. In Windows Me, XP, and Vista, safe mode can be used to run a utility called "System Restore" which can return your system to a state where your computer was working correctly. Safe mode can also be the only way to delete certain files, run diagnostic programs like scan disk and third-party programs, and remove some viruses.

In order to access safe mode, you must press the "F8" key immediately after the system BIOS runs (the screen that usually shows either the logo from the computer or motherboard manufacturer, i.e. Dell, HP, Toshiba, ASUS, MSI, etc.) and Windows starts to load. After pressing "F8" you will be presented with a menu with several options, the important ones being "Safe Mode," "Safe Mode with Networking," and "Safe Mode with Command Prompt." Most users will only use "Safe Mode" or "Safe Mode with Networking."

When you boot into safe mode, Windows only loads the most basic drivers, keyboard, mouse, and basic video. If you select "Safe Mode with Networking" it also loads your network drivers as well, which can be useful if you need to access the internet or network resources in order to repair the problem.

The first, and easiest reason, to use safe mode is to repair Windows with System Restore. This will roll you computer's drivers and software back to the state it was in at the time the restore point you select was created. System restore won't cause you to lose any documents or data, but you will lose any software or drivers that where installed after the restore point.

The second reason to use safe mode is in order to delete files, clean spy-ware, and remove viruses. Sometimes, when running Windows you can come across files that need to be deleted, but are unable to be removed due to them being in use. By booting into safe mode, no additional software is loaded, so most files can be removed easily and quickly this way, either by running your spy-ware removal software, anti-virus, or uninstaller program.

The third reason is to run maintenance and repair software, usually scan disk. This is the only reason to use the option "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" under normal circumstances. Once you have booted up using this option, you can run the command "chkdsk/f" or "chkdsk /r" depending on what you want repaired. The "/f" option fixes errors it encounters, while the "/r" option does a much more thorough scan and attempts to recover data from bad sectors on the disk, which takes quite a bit longer to complete. If you suspect a failing hard drive, the /r option is the one to use, otherwise the /f will work fine.

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