![](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125524614/299155136.jpg)
For Windows Vista to start in Safe Mode, follow these steps: Remove all CDs, DVDs or USBs from your computer. Reboot the computer. Press F8 as your computer start. At the Advanced Boot Options, use the arrows keys to select Safe Mode. Login in as an administrator, if prompted to do so. I am using a USB device for Internet Service. I need to boot into safe mode with networking support. Is there a solution that USB port could be detected in safe mode, letting me use Internet I am using Windows 7 Ultimate x64 running on HP G6 pavilion note book.
When running in Safe Mode, Windows only uses the basic of files needed to run the operating system, and many of the extra features are disabled. This can be useful for isolating hardware and software problems, or for removing viruses. Usually the computer will automatically revert to normal mode once you reboot, but in some cases you may need to instruct the computer to leave safe mode.
During Reboot
Step 1
Click the Start button, select 'Turn Off Computer' and then choose 'Restart' from the pop-up menu.
Step 2
Begin tapping the 'F8' key as soon as the screen goes blank. You should see the Advanced Boot Options screen. If the Windows logo appears instead, you will have to restart Windows and try again. It may take several attempts to hit the 'F8' key at the right moment.
Step 3
Use the arrow keys to choose 'Start Windows Normally' from the menu, then press 'Enter.'
Step 1
Click the Start button, type 'msconfig' into the search field, then press Enter.
![Boot to safe mode vista Boot to safe mode vista](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125524614/611859508.png)
Step 2
Enter your administrator username and password if prompted and press 'OK.'
![Starting vista in safe mode Starting vista in safe mode](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125524614/805285308.png)
Step 3
Press 'Continue' to give Windows permission to run the System Configuration utility.
Step 4
Select the 'Boot' tab, then uncheck the box next to 'Safe Boot.' Click 'OK' to save the change.
Step 5
Restart your computer to boot into normal Windows mode.
References
About the Author
Alan Sembera began writing for local newspapers in Texas and Louisiana. His professional career includes stints as a computer tech, information editor and income tax preparer. Sembera now writes full time about business and technology. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Texas A&M University.
More Articles
Windows Vista’s Safe Mode is a great diagnostic tool. When Windows Vista starts up, it loads all of the drivers and many of your most common programs automatically, and usually this is great. But if you’re having problems with a program or with the system itself, you might need to work with a “clean” version of Windows. Safe Mode gives you that clean version, allowing you to run diagnostics and check the performance of drivers and applications without worrying about programs that might be running in the background and creating interference.
1Remove any CDs or DVDs from your computer.
Some computers are set up to bypass the CD/DVD drive while booting, but it’s a good general computer practice to remove CDs and DVDs before you shut down the computer.
2Choose Start, click the arrow on the right of the Lock button, and then choose Restart to reboot your system.
This begins the restarting process.
3When the computer starts to reboot (the screen goes black), begin pressing F8.
The computer might take a few minutes for Windows Vista to completely shut down (especially if the reason you want to go into Safe Mode is because you are experiencing problems). Don’t let this worry you. Windows Vista does a lot of self-cleaning during its shutdown process.
When you reboot and press F8, you’re in the old text-based world that users of the DOS operating system will remember. It’s scary out there! Your mouse doesn’t work a lick, and fun sounds and cool graphics won’t be there to soothe you. Just use your arrow keys to get around and press Enter to make selections. You’ll back in Windows-land soon . . .
4If you're given a choice, select Windows Vista and press Enter and then continue to press F8.
You will receive this choice if you have more than one operating system.
Remember that your mouse doesn’t work here, so use the up- and down-arrow keys or type the number of that choice.
5Select Safe Mode in the resulting plain-vanilla text-based screen.
Press the up- or down-arrow key to select the Safe Mode option from the list and then press Enter.
6Log in to your computer with administrator privileges.
A Safe Mode screen appears. You’ll notice right away that the screen has a much lower resolution than you’re probably used to. That’s normal. It just means that Windows isn’t wasting a lot of energy on display.
7Run your diagnostics and then restart the system.
Use the tools in the Control Panel and the Help and Support system to figure out your problem, make changes, and then restart. When you restart again (repeat Step 2), let your computer start in the standard Windows Vista mode.
![](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125524614/299155136.jpg)