Safe-Mode

The purpose of Safe Mode is to help troubleshoot computer problems by operating with a bare minimum of drivers and Windows components. This page covers uses of safe mode, and how to get there.

By reducing what is running, this can help you diagnose a problem caused by a faulty driver or software.While here I can clean up (temp files and temp internet files. etc) , and to run defrag, uninterrupted.

note: XP Home has the built-in "administrator" account that is only available in Safe-Mode. The password is normally blank. If you log in as the administrator, you could then change passwords for other accounts, in the event you lost original password.

Some uses:

Removing Viruses, Spyware and Malware

Sometimes the only way to correctly remove some of the difficult virus and spyware trojans is to run your system in Safe-Mode. Many forms of malicious software will protect or reinstall themselves constantly if they are allowed to start inside the normal Windows mode. These trojan horse programs will locate themselves in one of the many startup locations in the Windows registry and file structure, so when Windows is started normally, they run as a background process (often as a hidden task).
When you start the PC in Safe-Mode , often, these extra startup links are not used. This can allow good virus and spyware removal programs the chance they need to correctly and completely remove malicious software.
If you suspect there are virus or spyware problems on your PC, you should always run antivirus and anti-spyware programs in safe to ensure that they have maximum effect. If you are following manual virus removal instructions, they will often require you to use safe mode.

Slow Computer

Safe mode is really important for resolving a slow computer! In Safe Mode, a bare minimum of programs and processes are running, which makes it easier to run cleanup and defrag.

Using Windows XP and Vista Restore in Safe-Mode

If you have system restore enabled on your Windows Computer system, you may use this feature to recover form problems with software or bad drivers. If your Windows XP or Vista system does not boot normally, you will need to know how to use restore points?

Note: If your system is infected, do not use the restore process, until you are reasonably certain that the virus has been removed. Many times, the Trojan Horses have hidden in the Restore files. I typically clear out the restore files, when I suspect an infection problem.

The system restore utility can be accessed in Safe and used to restore any previous history 'restore point'. Simply restart XP in Safe (tap F8 Key) and then when the Windows Desktop comes up

go to:
Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools->System Restore
then follow the instructions to restore your system to the point of your choice.

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How to go to Safe Mode XP

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To get to 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.

Note: With some computers, if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the "F8 key", tap the "F8 key" continuously until you get the startup menu. (I tap the key about once per second)

Trouble Getting into Windows 2000 or Windows XP Safe mode - If after several attempts you are unable to get into Windows 2000 or Windows XP Safe Mode as the computer is booting into Windows, power your computer off "improperly", by holding the power button, or even unplugging the computer! Next time the computer is turned on the next time Windows should notice that the computer did not successfully boot and give you the Safe Mode screen.

How to get to Safe Mode(per Microsoft for XP)

Windows 7 Safe Mode

More info on Safe Mode