What is Safe Mode?
Safe mode is a “limited” boot mode in Windows. Only a minimal set of device drivers is loaded, and usual startup items are disabled. For instance, if you computer ordinarily launches AOL Instant Messenger when Windows starts up, it will not do so in Safe Mode. Note that as a consequence of the limited set of device drivers, some devices will not function in Safe Mode. You may not have access to CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drives or burners, network adapters, printers, and many other drvices. In general, you should not expect anything but very basic functionality when booted into Safe Mode. As another consequence of booting into Safe Mode, your advanced video drivers will not be loaded, which will probalby lower your screen resolution (i.e., everything will appear “bigger”). This is normal.
Safe Mode is a component of Windows that allows you to access your Window’s interface without having to load unnecessary drives and software. This component becomes useful if you are having much difficulties running your Windows version normally or if it has been corrupted by another program. In Safe Mode, only your basic drivers and programs will show up (enough to let you as least try to reconfigure the Windows errors that might have happened or remove virus that become active only when starting your PC normally.).
Safe Mode has been a component of the Windows operating system since the days of Windows 95. The basic idea is to allow the user (or technical support worker) access to the windows interface without loading any unnecessary drivers or software. The thinking is that if device drivers or auto loading software (broswer hijackers for example) are causing problems with your Windows installation, the easiest way to fix things is to load a version of Windows that bypasses all but the most basic drivers and will not run any additional software. Windows XP safe mode provides you with a basic graphics driver (enough to display the user interface), access to your drives and windows configuration, and very little else. © 2009 PCSTATS.com Please respect the time and effort that went into creating each PCSTATS Beginners Guide, do not illegally copy. Thank you. Next Page > Toss Some Change into The Tip Jar For less than the cost of a latté you can let the hardworking staff who write and maintain the G
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. The words “Safe Mode” appear in the corners of the display to identify which Windows mode you are using. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If you don’t know the cause of the problem, you can use the process of elimination to help you find the problem. Try starting all of the programs you commonly use, including the programs in your Startup folder, one by one, to see if a program might be the cause of the problem. If your computer automatically starts in safe mode without prompting, a problem with your computer might be preventing Windows from starting normally. If you think the cause of the problem might be a recently installed program or device, try using System Restore. For more information, see What i
