Starting Windows in Safe Mode

Windows typically starts in Safe mode if you install a wrong device driver (especially a wrong video or mouse driver). In Safe mode, "Safe Mode" appears at each corner of the desktop. In most cases, you can simply restart Windows to have it load the previous driver. If, upon restarting, the Windows desktop is not visible or you cannot use the mouse, restart your PC and keep tapping the F8 key every second or so until you see the Safe Mode screen. Then choose the option for starting Windows in Safe mode. (You have to be quick with the F8 key-press it before you see the Windows screen.)

Windows loads a standard mouse and video driver in Safe mode so you can see what you're doing and use the mouse to point and click. This enables you to install a different or updated driver, uninstall a program you just installed, or change settings back to what they were before you encountered problems.

The Least You Need to Know

1. Be prepared for trouble before it strikes by backing up valuable files, creating a system image, and creating a system repair disc.
2. To access the Windows troubleshooters, click Start, Control Panel, Find and fix problems under System and Security.
3. Use System Restore to return your PC to an earlier time when it was working properly.
4. If a program stops responding or Windows freezes up, press Ctrl+Alt+Del, click Start Task Manager, and end any programs that are "Not Responding."
5. Use the System Configuration utility to troubleshoot problems caused by programs that run in the background.
6. Don't go into shock when Windows starts in Safe mode. Shutting down and restarting your PC usually corrects the problem.