Starting Windows When Problems Occur

WINV-7.7.3

If you have a problem starting Windows, you can use one of several startup options to help you start Windows in a safe environment where you can restore settings and fix the problem. Safe Mode is a good place to start. If a problem does not occur when you start in Safe Mode, you can eliminate basic Windows files and drivers as possible causes of the problem. If you added a device or changed driver, you can use Safe Mode to remove the device or restore the changed driver. You can also use Choosing Last Known Good Configuration to restore settings saved when your computer was last shut down properly.

Start Windows When Problems Occur

Restart your computer.

As your computer boots, press and hold F8.

Use the arrow keys to select a startup option, and then press Enter.

If you have a dual-boot system, select the operating system you want, and then press Enter.

Restore any recent system changes, or remove any newly installed software that might be causing the problem.

Shutdown your computer.

Start your computer to see if it works properly.

If problems persist, try a different startup option, or seek assistance from a support technician.

Did You Know? You can use Startup Repair to fix Windows Vista problems. Restart your computer with the Windows installation disc in the drive, click Repair your computer, select your operating system, click Next, click Startup Repair, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Computer Startup Options Option Description Safe Mode Starts with basic files and drivers and without a network connection Safe Mode With Networking Starts with basic files and drivers and a network connection Safe Mode With Command Prompt Starts with basic files and drivers and without a network connection to the command prompt Enable Boot Logging Starts and logs startup information in the ntbtlog.txt file Enable VGA Mode Starts using the basic VGA driver Last Known Good Configuration Starts using Registry settings saved at the last properly done shutdown Directory Services Restore Mode Restores active directory services Debugging Mode Starts and sends debugging information to another computer using a serial cable Start Windows Normally Starts the computer normally Reboot Restarts the computer Return To OS Choices Menu Displays operating system selection screen