Windows Safe Mode

How & Why to Use Safe Mode

Windows Safe Mode is a great tool for troubleshooting. Most times an infected PC will boot into safe mode without loading the malware causing the problems.

Even when the malware is found, many times it cannot be removed without booting the computer to safe mode. The reason for this is that in normal mode, with malware running, there is a "lock" on the infected files. Windows respects this lock and will not let you or a software cleaner delete the file.

Booting into Windows Safe Mode requires "catching" the boot process at the proper time and pressing the 'F8' key on your keyboard.

This is a whole lot easier if you have Windows Recovery Console installed. I have no idea why no manufacturer (that I know of) does this. With recovery console, you get a mini-menu of boot choices with a default timeout (I use 3 seconds). If you don't change your selection in that timeframe a normal boot will occur.

Critical Point: Microsoft states that you press the 'F8' before Windows launches. When's that?

Most PC's hide their boot diagnostics (I don't) and instead will display a company logo of some kind. That's all dandy - until you have a problem. Once that diagnostic screen or logo goes away, immediately tap the 'F8' key a couple of times.

If you repeatedly press 'F8' too soon you may get a keyboard error from your PC. Wait too long and you'll see the "XP" logo and it's too late. Wouldn't it be nice to have that little boot menu now?

When you are successful in pressing 'F8' at the right time, you will get a Windows Safe Mode boot menu. Regular safe mode is fine for cleaning and repairing, if you want to use an online scanner though you'll need to select "safe mode with networking".

 ... more to come ...

I include here Microsoft's instructions for Windows Safe Mode just in case I left something out. I chose not to rely on just Microsoft since their page could someday disappear, and I think I have added some extra value in my discussion above. Hope you agree!