Booting in Safe Mode allows only the necessary Windows drivers to load up and prevents unnecessary or bad drivers from loading, safe mode also prevents other start up programs from loading. Starting in safe mode will reduce the operating system functionality so only the basic core system will load allowing for smooth and stable operation for proper troubleshooting.
Here’s how to start your Vista or XP computer in Safe Mode:
1. Turn off the computer, wait about 10 seconds and turn it back on.
2. Repeatedly hit the “F8” key during boot up. You should now see the “Advanced Boot Options” menu.
3. Now use the up and down arrow keys and navigate to “Safe Mode” which is the first option.
4. With Safe Mode selected hit “Enter”.
5. When your are finished, close all programs and restart the computer as usual to exit out of Safe Mode.
[…] The best way to run these free spyware removal tools is going into safe mode. When booting into “Safe Mode” only the necessary Windows drivers are started. So if there were any spyware or viruses on your computer chances are they will not start in safe mode. Here are instructions for booting into Safe Mode. […]