Understanding Safe Mode in Windows: What is it and What is it For?
Windows Safe Mode Explained
Safe mode is a diagnostic mode used in Windows, Mac OS, and certain electronic devices. An operating system has reduced functionality during safe mode to allow the user to diagnose a problem with a driver, software, or hard disk. During safe mode, minimal drivers are used in order to isolate a program so that it can be easily be evaluated for common problems such as corrupt disks or poorly configured software.
Safe mode loads as few executable modules as possible and runs a minimal amount of devices, usually just enough for the computer to carry out basic functions. Safe mode can be described as a 'miniature' operating system. Safe mode typically allows the user to run diagnostic programs and utilities in order to troubleshoot a program. Once the user has corrected the problem, the computer can be rebooted and started in normal mode.
In Windows, during safe mode, the computer does not boot the system configuration files or any of the autoexec.bat files. Most drivers are also not loaded (Drivers are software that the computer uses to communicate with hardware, such as a printer or scanner). Instead of the normal graphics driver, safe mode utilizes only the standard VGA graphics. That is why the screen has only about 16 colors and the resolution is reduced. Safe mode boots with system.cb file instead of the standard system.ini file.
Safe mode starts automatically if Windows did not successfully boot on a previous attempt. You can also initiate safe mode yourself by hitting the F5, F8, NUM Lock, or DEL key on your keyboard, depending on what type of BIOS you have. If you computer boots in safe mode you should figure out what went wrong and try to fix it. Check any newly added hardware or program or game that you have recently installed. After you delete the new software, you can now reboot the computer. If it reboots successfully, there is a problem with the new hardware or software you have just installed.
Safe mode is not as intimidating as it seems, and it is actually designed you fix problems with your computer.
Published by The Armchair Geek
We are a Mid-West PLR Firm specializing in creating powerful web content for clients in a wide array of industries. This is a sampling of some of our IT-focused articles. For more of our work, you can co... View profile
- Top 10 Songs by Depeche ModeTop Songs by Depeche Mode
Make Your Computer Run Programs Fasterhere are 4 main ways to speed up your computer if you do not want to get a new computer just yet.- Encrypting File System (EFS) in Windows Server 2003 EnvironmentIn Windows 2000, Microsoft introduced Encrypted File System (EFS) - a new feature built into the operating system that makes securing user file
8 Ways to Save Today's Computer Data from Tomorrow's Computer CrashBad things, like computer crashes caused by viruses or faulty hardware do happen to smart people. Here are five ways the average computer user can save today's computer data to...- Fear, Sex, and Identity in Herman Melville's Typee An exploration of the uncanny effects of cannibalism, sex, and tattoing upon postcolonialism generally, and Melville studies specifically.
- Improving Windows Performance
- Windows: Scanning for Viruses in Safe Mode
- Windows 9-1-1: 10 Smart Tricks to Boot a Sick PC
- How to Backup Windows XP on a CD-ROM
- Use System Restore for Maintenance on Microsoft Windows PCs
- System Restore Can Roll Back Computer to Before You Made a Big Mistake
- Helpful Windows Computer Tips for the NON-Techie
- Safe mode is a diagnostic mode used in Windows, Mac OS, and certain electronic devices
- Safe mode loads as few executable modules as possible and runs a minimal amount of devices
- Safe mode starts automatically if Windows did not successfully boot on a previous attempt.