WelcomeProductsViruses & RisksSupportDownloadsStore
Home & Home Office
Symantec.com > Home & Home Office > Support > Knowledge Base


Starting your computer in Safe mode

STEP 1
  Print this page

We suggest that you print this page before you start.

Expand each section by clicking the "+" before you print the page. PRINT

StEP 2 
  Click one of the following, depending on your operating system

 
 
I use Windows XP
 
STEP 1
  Start the computer in Safe mode
1
Exit all programs.
2
Click Start > Run.
3
In Run dialog box, type the following text:
msconfig
4
Click OK.
5
In the System Configuration Utility, on the BOOT.INI tab, check /SAFEBOOT.
6
Click OK.
7
When you are asked to restart the computer, click Restart.  

The computer restarts in Safe mode. This can take several minutes.
NOTE Note After you complete the work in Safe mode, use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows XP in Normal mode. Go to STEP 2.
STEP 2
  Start the computer in Normal mode
1
Close all programs.
2
Click Start > Run.
3
In Run dialog box, type the following text:
msconfig
4
Click OK.
5
In the System Configuration Utility, on the BOOT.INI tab, uncheck /SAFEBOOT.
6
Click OK.
7
Close all programs, and restart the computer.
I use Windows 2000
 
            
  Start the computer in safe mode
1
Restart the computer.
2
When you see the black-and-white Starting Windows bar at the bottom of the screen, start
tapping the F8 key.
3
In the Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu, use the arrow keys to select Safe mode.
4
Press Enter.
 The computer restarts in Safe mode. This can take several minutes.
NOTE Note After you complete the work in Safe mode, restart the computer without using the F8 key.
I use Windows Me/98
 
STEP 1
  Start the computer in Safe mode
1
Close all programs.
2
Click Start > Run.
3
In Run dialog box, type the following text:
msconfig
4
Click OK.
5
In System Configuration Utility, on the General tab, click Advanced
6
In the Advanced Troubleshooting Settings dialog box, check Enable Startup Menu, and
then click OK.
7
In the System Configuration Utility window, click OK.
8
Click Yes, when you are asked to restart the computer.
9
When the Windows Startup Menu appears, select Safe Mode, and then press Enter.
NOTE Note After you complete the work in Safe mode, restart the computer in Normal mode. Go to STEP 2.
STEP 2
  Start the computer in Normal mode
1
Close all programs.
2
Click Start > Run.
3
In Run dialog box, type the following text:
msconfig
4
Click OK.
5
In the System Configuration Utility, on the General tab, click Advanced.
6
In the Advanced Troubleshooting Settings dialog box, uncheck Enable Startup Menu, and
then click OK.
7
In the System Configuration Utility window, click OK.
8
Click Yes, when you are asked to restart the computer.

 

Available Translations:


RATE THIS SOLUTION
Was this solution helpful to you?
Yes
No
If any information was unclear, or the information you were seeking was not provided, please let us know. Your feedback will help us improve this service.

NOTE: Comments entered here will NOT recieve a personal email response.

Document ID: 2001052409420406
Last Modified: 05/20/2008
Date Created: 05/24/2001
Operating System(s): Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me
Product(s): TS_GEN

Site Index · Legal Notices · Privacy Policy · · Contact Us · Global Sites · License Agreements
©1995 - 2008 Symantec Corporation