2006-10-23 20:16:14 · 6 answers · asked by redhead 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Press F8 when restarting!
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Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode used by certain computer operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and other complex electronic devices. While the operating system is in safe mode, it will have reduced functionality, but it is easier to isolate problems because many non-core components are disabled. An installation that will only boot into its safe mode typically has a major problem, such as disk corruption or the installation of poorly configured software that prevents the operating system from successfully booting into its normal operating mode.
Though it varies by operating system, typically safe mode loads as few executable modules as possible and usually disables devices, except for the minimum necessary to display information and accept input. Safe mode can also take the form of a parallel "miniature" operating system that has no configuration information shared with the normal operating system. For example, on Microsoft Windows, the user can choose to boot to the command console, a small text-based troubleshooting mode kept separate from the main operating system (and can also be accessed by booting the install CD), or to various "safe mode" options that run the dysfunctional operating system, but with features such as video drivers and networking disabled.
Safe mode typically provides access to utility and diagnostic programs so a user can troubleshoot what is preventing the operating system from working normally. Safe mode is intended for maintenance, not functionality, and provides minimal access to features which often frustrates users who are only aware that their computer "isn't working right".
Safe mode is a troubleshooting method on most electronic devices, including cell phones and interplanetary spacecraft [1] which often run VxWorks.
Safe mode in Microsoft Windows is accessed by repeatedly pressing the "F8" key as the operating system boots. An equivalently minimal setting in UNIX-like operating systems is single-user mode, in which daemons and the X Window System are not started, and only the root user can log in. On Mac OS versions 7, 8 and 9, a similar mode is achieved by holding down the shift key while booting, which starts the system without extensions. Safe mode with networking, one of the variations of safe mode, can be used to troubleshoot network issues.
Application software sometimes offers a safe mode as well. In the PHP interpreter, safe mode offers stricter security measures. Mozilla Firefox's safe mode allows the user to remove extensions which may be preventing the browser from loading.
2006-10-23 20:20:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Starting a PC in Safe Mode means stripping Windows down to its bare bones and preventing all non-Windows applications from starting up. This helps in two ways: the processor has to run at only a tiny fraction of its capacity; and it enables users to test installed software for faults one by one.
Under normal conditions the Windows operating system loads a huge amount of data into its memory for processing, including the drivers for devices such as video and audio cards, CD writers, printers, scanners and so on. Then the data required to get programs that start automatically up and running must be loaded, such as antivirus software, firewalls, audio and video card managers and other installed software.
In Safe Mode, the computer loads only the files necessary to run basic Windows services so peripherals like printers and scanners can't be used. But that's the whole point, as it may be one of these devices, alone or in combination with others, that may be causing the problem you want to fix.
To go to safe mode, reboot the computer and immediately keep pressing the F8 key until you get the black & white alternative boot screen - this will list several diagnostic boot options, then choose Safe Mode. Then run whatever diagnostic program you need to fix your programs.
This article may explain more...
http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles%2F1998%2Fseptember98%2F0905%2F0905.asp
2006-10-23 20:27:03 · answer #2 · answered by maewestfan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When u boot your computer press F8 and chose safe mode, safe mode means that not all the driver would be loaded and not all the cool stuff will work, safe mode is for fixing your pc from virus and stuff... in other words if your computer is runing fine you dont need to access safe mode.
2006-10-23 20:19:18 · answer #3 · answered by Oscar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When your Computer is in safe mode, it's only running the devices and drives it needs (the internet doesn't work unless you run Safe Mode with Networking) incase there is a hardware or software problem and you need to make system changes.
2006-10-23 20:23:37 · answer #4 · answered by Pango 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To get into the Windows 2000 / XP Safe mode, as the computer is booting press and hold your "F8 Key" which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.
These links may give more info:-
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1643
Good luck
2006-10-23 20:20:11 · answer #5 · answered by adr41n 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it only runs basic services and basic drivers. this is good if you are infected with a virus to run virus scans and get rid of the infection.
to access safe mode, when booting up press F8 and choose safe mode
2006-10-23 20:18:15 · answer #6 · answered by yeskezchemsirer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋