How to Troubleshoot Computer Problems

Starting Windows in Safe Mode When you press F8 your computer will display the Windows startup menu. This menu lists a number of different ways that you can start Windows: • Normal. This starts Windows in its normal mode as if you hadn’t pressed F8 to begin with. • Safe Mode. Starts Windows with a minimal number of device drivers loaded. (You use this mode for most troubleshooting procedures.) • Safe Mode with Networking. A version of safe mode that also loads key network drivers; you can still connect the ailing computer to your network. • Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Boots to the old DOS command prompt instead of to the Windows interface. • Enable Boot Logging. This records all remaining startup operations to a special log file. • Enable VGA Mode. Loads Windows as normal, but with a generic VGA video driver. (This is a good mode if you think you’re having trouble with your video driver.) • Last Known Good Configuration. Uses the Windows Registry infor- mation and drivers that were saved the last time you shut down your system—presumably before your system got screwed up. note Depending on your system configuration, you might have more, fewer, or just different options available on the Windows startup menu.The basic safe mode option is available on all systems, however.