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+--- Thread: How to Boot into Safe Mode on Windows Vista (/showthread.php?tid=209)
How to Boot into Safe Mode on Windows Vista - Sneakyone - 09-04-2024
How to Boot into Safe Mode on Windows Vista
Booting into Safe Mode in Windows Vista is a useful way to troubleshoot problems with your system. Safe Mode starts your PC with only essential drivers and services, which can help diagnose issues caused by software or drivers. Here's a detailed guide on how to boot into Safe Mode on Windows Vista.
Method 1: Using the F8 Key During Startup
The most common method to enter Safe Mode in Windows Vista is by using the F8 key during startup.
1. Turn off your computer completely.
2. Turn it back on and, as soon as your computer starts, repeatedly press the F8 key on your keyboard before the Windows logo appears.
3. You will see the Advanced Boot Options screen. Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode and press Enter.
4. If you need internet access while in Safe Mode, select Safe Mode with Networking instead.
5. Windows Vista will now start in Safe Mode. You’ll notice the screen resolution is lower, and the words "Safe Mode" appear in the corners of the screen. This is normal in Safe Mode.
Method 2: Using System Configuration (msconfig)
You can also use the System Configuration tool to make Windows Vista boot into Safe Mode automatically.
1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, click the Boot tab.
4. Under Boot options, check the box next to Safe boot.
5. Choose Minimal for regular Safe Mode or Network if you need networking support.
6. Click OK, then click Restart.
7. Your PC will now restart and automatically boot into Safe Mode.
8. Once you're done troubleshooting, go back to msconfig, uncheck the Safe boot option, and restart your computer to return to normal Windows.
Method 3: Using a Windows Vista Installation Disk or Repair Disk
If your system is not booting normally, you can use a Windows Vista installation disk or a system repair disk to boot into Safe Mode.
1. Insert your Windows Vista installation disk or system repair disk and restart your computer.
2. When prompted, press any key to boot from the CD/DVD.
3. On the Install Windows screen, select your language preferences and click Next.
4. In the lower-left corner of the screen, click Repair your computer.
5. The System Recovery Options menu will appear. Select the Windows Vista installation you want to repair, and click Next.
6. From the list of recovery tools, choose Command Prompt.
7. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
Code:
bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimalTo disable Safe Mode after troubleshooting, repeat the steps above and type the following command in Command Prompt:
Code:
bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safebootMethod 4: Interrupting the Boot Process
If Windows Vista is not booting properly, you can force it into Safe Mode by interrupting the boot process.
1. Turn on your computer. When Windows begins to load, press and hold the Power button until the computer shuts off.
2. Repeat this process two more times (you need to turn off your PC three times during the boot process).
3. After the third time, Windows Vista should automatically enter the Windows Error Recovery screen.
4. Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode and press Enter.
Exiting Safe Mode
To exit Safe Mode and return to normal mode, simply restart your computer. If you used msconfig to enter Safe Mode, make sure to uncheck Safe boot in the Boot tab before restarting.
That’s it! You now know how to boot into Safe Mode on Windows Vista using multiple methods. Safe Mode is a valuable tool for troubleshooting and fixing system issues caused by software or drivers.