Accessing Safe Mode or Advanced Startup Options After Starting Windows XP/Vista/7

Time to Complete (in minutes): 10
Question:
After starting windows, how do I access Safe Mode or advanced startup options in Windows XP/Vista/7?
Answer:

Disclaimer: These instructions, or part(s) of them, are out of date and no longer supported by 4Help. For more information, see Currently Supported Versions.

Important: Safe Mode may not load all of your startup services and background applications, including video and CD drivers. Do not operate in Safe Mode for an extended period of time, but rather use this function to fix malware and other software troubles that require limited services and processes.

To access Safe Mode:
  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Start the Run utility.
    • In XP, select Run....
    • In Vista/7:
      1. Select All Programs.
      2. Select Accessories.
      3. Select Run.
  3. In the Open: text box, type: msconfig
  4. Click OK.
  5. In Vista, click the Continue button.
  6. View the boot options.
    • In XP:
      1. Select the BOOT.INI tab.
      2. Place a check in the /SAFEBOOT check box.
    • In Vista/7:
      1. Select the Boot tab.
      2. Place a check in the Safe boot check box.
  7. Select whether to use Safe Mode with or without networking.

    Caution: Do not select the Minimal option if you do not have local administrator privileges or if you are logging on to the machine with a domain account (for example, Hokies or University Services). You will not be able to log on to take the computer out of Safe Mode.

    • In XP:
      • To boot in Safe Mode without networking, select the MINIMAL radio button.
      • To boot in Safe Mode with networking, select the NETWORK radio button.
    • In Vista/7:
      • To boot in Safe Mode without networking, select the Minimal radio button.
      • To boot in Safe Mode with networking, select the Network radio button.
  8. Click OK.
  9. Click the Restart button.

Note: To exit Safe Mode, clear the /SAFEBOOT or Safe boot check box, and restart.