How do I switch to Safe Mode?
To remove a piece of spyware or for troubleshooting and diagnostic purposes, you'll have to start Windows in Safe Mode. While in Safe Mode, only specific programs and files needed to run the operating system are loaded. Some functions, such as connecting to the Internet, will not be active and a standard video driver will be loaded causing a washed out appearance and a possible change in resolution.
Since only essential programs and files are loaded in Safe Mode, you can remove some spyware, adware and viruses that cannot be removed in Normal Mode.
Follow the instructions below to get into the Safe Mode your specific version of Windows.
If Windows XP is the only operating system installed on your computer, use the following instructions:
- If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power.
- Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
- Start pressing the "F8" key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears.
Please note!: If you begin pressing the F8 key too soon, some computers may display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again. - Ensure that the "Safe mode" option is selected.
- Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in the Safe mode.
- When you are finished with the spyware removal, close all programs and restart the computer.
System Configuration Utility method
- Close all running programs.
- Click Start, Run and type MSCONFIG in the box and click "OK".
- The System Configuration Utility appears, select the "/SAFEBOOT" option on the BOOT.INI tab, and then click "OK" and restart your computer when prompted."
- The computer restarts in the Safe mode.
- Perform the troubleshooting steps for which you are using the Safe Mode.
- When you are finished with the spyware removal in the Safe mode, open MSCONFIG again, and uncheck "/SAFEBOOT" on the BOOT.INI tab and click "OK" to restart your computer.