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Safe Mode is a feature of Windows that allows the operating system to be started up without running programs or drivers that may have been damaged, particularly due to malware. However, Safe Mode cannot be used to run many normal programs, and is therefore usually only useful for troubleshooting.
To boot a computer up in Safe Mode, alternate click between F5 and F8 while booting up. A menu prompt should list several possible modes. If you intend to connect to the internet while in Safe Mode, select Safe Mode With Networking.
If holding F8 does not work, go to Start -> Run (or press Windows Icon + R), type "msconfig" in the box, and press Enter. This opens a configuration utility that you can use to change Windows start-up settings. Select the BOOT.INI tab and check the SAFEBOOT box. Then click on OK, and select Restart to boot up in Safe Mode.
The following are common things to do in Safe Mode:
- Run McAfee VirusScan, Ad-Aware, and Spybot.
- Remove programs, either by running their uninstaller or by going to Start -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs.
Because Safe Mode only partially loads Windows, many programs cannot run in Safe Mode, or certain features will not work. For example, although McAfee can run in Safe Mode, it cannot update. Also, because video drivers are not loaded, the screen will operate at a relatively low resolution (640x480).
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