Safe Mode

[shylock73]

How is this done, and when is it used, and for what? In other words, What,?Why? and When? "Ta much."

[ChuckFickens]

It's done by pressing F8 during the first bit of windows startup and selecting safe mode from the menu that comes up

it will then start the computer loading only a minimal amount of software and device drivers.

you would use it (for one example) if you had installed a bit of software (or a device driver) that was stopping the computer from starting in normal mode, you can start in safe mode and remove the software so the computer can start in normal mode again (in theory!)

[shylock73]

On the ball as usual Chuck, thanks.

[LeMarchand]

What: When Windows starts, it also loads in loads of other software that you have installed. "Safe Mode" only loads the barest minimum of the software and device drivers. Usually it is invoked by pressing F8 during the boot sequence.

Why: It enables you to "get into" Windows when a software or driver conflict is preventing this, giving you the chance to try to diagnose the problem.

When: You'll only need to use it if advised by someone else or if you fancy trying to diagnose a problem yourself.

As an example, my nVidia (graphics) drivers recently started playing up - soon after logging on, my monitor went blank. By going into safe mode "with networking" I was able to download and install a new driver to replace the corrupted one, fixing the problem. (Because graphics drivers are not loaded in Safe Mode the problem did not occur).

[LeMarchand]

Too slow! Curse these fingers!

[shylock73]

Merci, mon ami, LeMarchand. Tres bien.

[shylock73]

Pardon, Bon Nuit.