You can start Windows XP in safe mode. You can reach this operating mode in just a few steps.
Start Safe Mode in Windows XP
You can only start Safe Mode while your computer is booting. If your PC is still switched on, shut it down first.
- Once you have pressed your computer's power button, press the “F8” key repeatedly until the “Advanced Windows Startup Options” menu opens. On some computers, the F5 or DEL key can be used instead of the F8 key to enter the boot menu.
- In this menu you choose between the different modes. Use the arrow keys to navigate to “Safe Mode”.
- Confirm your selection with “Enter”. The computer will now start Windows XP in a stripped down version. Only the most necessary drivers and settings are loaded.
- Once the computer has started up, it will also say at the bottom of your Windows XP desktop that you are working in safe mode. If you restart your PC, it will boot up in “normal” mode as usual.
The three safe modes in Windows XP
You can choose between three modes:
- The “normal” safe mode.
- Safe Mode with Networking. This is when your computer loads all the drivers required for a network connection and access to the Internet.
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Here the cmd.exe is started after booting up.
- By the way, the tip also works for other Windows versions.