Hardware and software setup

How to enable safe mode on 7. How to restart your computer in safe mode: detailed instructions

Windows 7 Safe mode can it really help? You have a lot of good articles on your site about restoring Windows 7, but not a single one about safe mode. Tell me, what problems can be fixed using safe mode and is it worth spending time on it in case of a serious malfunction? Please do not refer me to other sites, as you usually do, I'm specifically interested in your opinion. Michael.

Windows 7 Safe Mode

Dear Mikhail, in case of serious malfunctions and breakdowns that happen to our operating system, it is usually not possible to load it. But it often happens that if the system cannot be started normally, then in Safe Mode, Windows 7 is loading. In this mode, only the main system services and drivers start, it is always a chance to correct the situation, think about what exactly our last actions caused the breakdown and fix it.

In our article, we will consider a large number of problems that can be fixed using safe mode. But if you do not solve your problem, then in case of problems with loading operating system, you can use the environment Windows recovery 7, for example, Startup Repair, you can also run a simple system restore, we have a lot of articles on our site about fixing all kinds of problems when Windows 7 is unstable, here are some of them:

Well, now, let's look at specific examples of the application in Windows 7 secure mode. I will describe the most recent case. My friend installed the game, which, according to him, after installation offered to update DirectX (a technology that allows you to run multimedia and games), he agreed, despite the fact that it is better to update DirectX on the official Microsoft website. After that, the computer began to work unstably, the system took a long time to boot and the Internet periodically began to disappear, an attempt to remove the program also ended in nothing (in such cases, our article can help). The next day, he could not start the operating system, even the Recovery Tool Windows startup 7 didn't help. Then we decided to use all available means of restoring the operating system and started with safe mode.

If you have problems loading Windows 7, you must first try to select in Additional var antah download parameter Last Known Good Configuration. The operating system will attempt to load the Last Known Good Run Configuration saved by Windows during the last known good session.

Let's say it fails, restart the computer and press the F-8 key on the keyboard in the initial phase of booting the computer and get into the Windows 7 Advanced Boot Options Menu, select Safe mode. . In safe mode, we try to remove our program through Uninstall or change programs, then we need to remove it from startup and try to reboot.

But this does not help us, we cannot boot in normal mode, apparently there are serious violations in system files.
Very often my friends and I were able to solve a rather difficult problem with the help of Windows 7 safe mode or safe mode with command line support, for example, the easiest option is to roll back using a restore point to a time when our computer was working fine. We go into safe mode, we already know how to do this.
Next, go to the System Restore menu Start-> Control Panel-> System and Security-> Restore the Computer to a Previous State-> Start System Restore.

You cannot create a restore point here, you can only roll back to the previous state of the computer. Next, select a restore point and roll back to a day when we have not yet installed this program and did not update our DirectX with anything.

When using safe mode, with boot network drivers, along with the main Windows drivers 7, drivers will be loaded on network card and you can go online and look for the answer there.

Type in command line sfc /scannow command and you will run a system check Windows files 7, if it finds damaged ones, they will be replaced by normal versions if possible.

Sometimes I could not enter safe mode, but I managed to get into safe mode with command line support, to start system restore here you need to enter the command rstrui.e xe and please, you will be taken to the system restore window.

How else can I use safe mode with command line support, for example, once I installed the wrong driver for the device and Windows 7 also pleased me with a blue screen. In order to get into the device manager, I had to enter the command line mode from the Windows 7 recovery environment and type the devmgmt command. msc, then had to remove the wrong driver. How to use the recovery environment is described in detail in the article How to restore a Windows 7 system, link above.

Any PC user may encounter problems with Windows 7. In this case, the malfunction can be so serious that the operating system, in its normal mode, will start to slow down considerably or even refuse to start at all. Fortunately, there is a sure method to fix all this, or at least to diagnose and identify the cause of the problem. Of course, we are talking about Windows 7 Safe Mode, also known as Safe Mode. This article is dedicated to him.

Purpose

Before that, it is worth understanding what, in general, it is and what its purpose is. So, this is a special mechanism for starting the operating system, in which only basic drivers and services are used. Simply put, even if some program causes computer crashes, it simply will not turn on in Windows 7 Safe Mode.

First of all, Safe Mode is used for diagnostics. So, if the computer does not start in normal mode, but works quietly in safe mode, then the cause of the malfunction must be looked for in software and not in iron. Particular attention should be paid to applications and drivers installed recently. By uninstalling these programs one at a time and trying to start Windows normally, you will eventually fix the problem.

Not everyone knows but safe windows mode 7 is divided into three types, each of which has its own characteristics:

  • Usual. Basic version with a minimum set of programs and drivers. In most cases, this mode will be enough for you to solve all the problems that have arisen.

  • With network support. Almost the same as the previous version, but with the ability to use network connections. In other words, if you want to go online as part of troubleshooting and troubleshooting, then this kind of Safe Mode is perfect for you. The problem is malware will also be able to connect to the network, which means there is a chance that they will cause even more harm to your computer.
  • With command line support. By enabling this mode, you will see in front of you not the usual desktop, but an interface in which you can only enter special letter commands. This function you will only need it in special cases, so don't use it unnecessarily.

Before you start Windows 7 Safe Mode, it is important to decide which of its types is right for you. this moment. If in doubt, use the usual one.

Standard startup method

The first method to start Windows 7 Safe Mode on a laptop or PC is good because you can use it even before the OS starts. It consists in the following:

  • As soon as the computer turns on, press the F8 key. It is important to do this before the Windows logo appears, otherwise you will have to restart your PC and start over. If you are afraid to miss the right moment, you can press F8 several times in a row. Just do not overdo it, otherwise the command simply will not work.

  • If you did everything right, a menu will appear on the screen with the ability to select the type of Safe Mode you need. Highlight the option you are interested in using the arrows on the keyboard and press Enter.
  • Wait for the system to load everything necessary services. Usually this process takes less than a minute, but weak computers it can drag on.

Please note that the Windows 7 Safe Mode desktop starts at a low resolution. If necessary, you can change this option if it is more convenient for you to work.

Login via settings

This method enabling safe mode in Windows 7 will suit you, provided that your operating system starts, but slows down or freezes after a while. To use it, do this:

  • Wait for the OS to load and press the Win + R key combination.
  • Type msconfig in the line that appears and press Enter.
  • A menu will open with the system startup settings, in which the General tab will be open by default. Here you need to switch from the "Normal Startup" option to "Diagnostic Startup".

  • Now go to the Downloads tab. Here you need to activate safe mode (check the box), and then select one of the options (recommended "Minimum").

After that, you will only have to confirm the changes made and restart the PC. If you did everything right, you will immediately enter Safe Mode. Please note that the next time you restart your computer, it will start in normal mode.

Command line activation

Another way to start Windows 7 Safe Mode on a computer with a running operating system. It is done like this:

  • Wait for the OS to load and press Win+R.
  • Type cmd and hit enter.
  • Now type BCDedit and press Enter again.

  • A list of all the possible characteristics of your computer will appear. You need to rewrite (or remember) what is written in the "Identifier" section.
  • Next, write "bcdedit / set (ID) safeboot minimal", replacing (ID) with the data from the section of the same name (the ones you overwrote in the previous step).
  • Close the window and restart your PC.

Whatever it was, this way recommended for advanced users only. The fact is that to exit Safe Mode, you will have to go back to the command line and enter "bcdedit /deletevalue (ID) safeboot". IN otherwise The computer will continue to work in Safe Mode.

emergency way

Although quite rare, it happens that none of the above methods can turn on Safe Mode. In such a case, do the following:

  • Turn on or restart your computer.
  • As soon as the Windows logo appears, click on the Reset button on system unit. If you do not have such a button, you can use the power switch (you need to turn it off and then on).

  • These actions will be regarded by the operating system as a critical failure, so Windows will automatically prompt you to boot into Safe Mode.

Possible problems

When you try to start Safe Mode, you may run into some problems. Here are solutions for the most common ones:

  • On some laptop models, you will not be able to use the F8 key to launch Safe Mode. In this case, you will need to press the Fn + F8 combination.

  • If you have already launched one of the types of safe mode, but you see only a black screen with letters in front of you, try pressing Enter or Space.
  • Once on the desktop in Safe Mode, you will find that there is not a single icon on it. To add "My Computer" there, click on the table right click mouse and go to the "Personalization" section. After that, open the "Change Icons" category and select the ones you need. Don't forget to apply the changes.

That, in principle, is all that concerns safe mode in Windows 7. By the way, some of the ways to start it work in later versions of the operating system.

Hello, friends! In this article I will talk about Safe Mode for Windows 7 and Windows 8. This mode is necessary to troubleshoot the system and return it to a working state. Safe - a mode in which only everything you need is loaded, which is directly responsible for the functioning of the operating system. The minimum set of drivers, programs and services. What you have in autoload is also not loaded. This greatly improves the chances of successfully booting the system and thereby eliminating the element causing the failure. It could be a program, a driver, or something else. For example, changing some system settings and then crashes blue screen or a reboot occurs. You can try to fix all this by booting into safe mode. How to do it read more

Booting into safe mode on Windows 7 is easy. Just as easy as it has always been in all past versions of Windows. It is enough to press the key several times when the computer boots up. F8. This will bring up a window with additional download options of the following type

Enable VGA mode- loading the operating system with the current graphics adapter driver on low frequencies and resolution (640 X 480). This gives you the ability to adjust the resolution and frequency for your monitor. For example. You connect a low-resolution monitor to your computer and it (the monitor) gives out a black screen (does not work at the set frequency and resolution). Boot in VGA mode and set the necessary settings.

Loading the latest successful configuration (with healthy settings) - Each time the computer is successfully shut down, the operating system remembers important (responsible for health) settings. In case of incorrect loading or not loading Windows at all, you can use these items and restore the computer to working order. This is the first and easiest thing to do if you have problems booting Windows.

Restoring the directory service(only on a Windows domain controller) - a mode that starts the Active Directory directory service with the ability to restore the latter. The mode is relevant for IT-specialists on domain controllers.

Debug Mode- launching the operating system in advanced debugging mode for IT specialists.

Disable automatic reboot on system failurethis mode necessary for diagnosing a computer in the case when the system immediately reboots upon failure or enters a cycle.

The rest of the points are clear.

How to boot into Windows 8 Safe Mode

Not only gadgets were removed from the new operating system, but also the ability to call up a menu of additional boot options by pressing F8. As they say on the official Microsoft website, you may not have time to press F8.

Tried several times to get into Windows 8 safe mode using the F8 key - nothing. A little "googling" on this topic found advice. Press Shift + F8. I tried this combination several times - the effect is the same. Tried pressing and holding F8 and Shift + F8 - nothing. On this, my attempts to enter safe mode on the move ended.

It remains to be hoped that with an incorrect Windows boot 8 will boot into safe mode on its own. If this does not happen, then you need to boot from bootable flash drive or disk as when installing Windows 8. In the window below, click "Repair your computer"

In the next window, select and return the computer to the date you have chosen.

Below are the ways how to get into safe mode windows 8 from a running system.

Entering Safe Mode with msconfig

In order to get into safe mode in Windows 8, you must:

Windows 8 Safe Mode via Shift Reboot

To get into Windows 8 Safe Mode using this method, you must:

Windows 8 will boot into safe mode. Thanks for this method http://windxp.com.ru/

Boot UI Tuner - the easiest way to boot into safe mode

Of all the ways presented here to enter safe mode in the Windows 8 operating system, this is the easiest. Download the bootuituner utility either from the official site or from here

  • [~ 52 KB]

After unpacking, you will find there two folders for 64 and 32 (86) bit systems. Choose for your system.

2 . If you do not know the reason for the failure of the operating system, then you can alternately run the programs that you have at startup. Thus, you can calculate the conflicting program and also remove it

Select the program and click Uninstall

After we try to boot in normal mode.

3 . You need to use System Restore. To do this, right-click on Computer and select Properties. In the window that opens on the left, select "System Protection"

Click on the Restore...

In the System Restore window, you can select Recommended restore or choose a different restore point. Select and click Next >

If restoring to a specific point did not help, choose an earlier restore point. You can learn more about system restore.

Quite often there are situations when the computer does not boot even in safe mode. It also crashes blue screen. In this case, you can and should try to boot into safe mode with command line support.

In this mode, to start system recovery, you need to type the command rstrui.exe and press Enter

If you do not have the opportunity to use system restore, you can and should try the command sfc /scannow also from the command line (more details about recovery system files can be read)

If you only boot into safe mode with command line support and you need to get into the device manager, use the command devmgmt.msc

This section has provided everything I know for restoring Windows from Safe Mode. Thank you http://remontcompa.ru

Conclusion

In this article about safe mode in Windows 7 and Windows 8, we figured out how to enter it and what to do if you can't enter it. Great option try to restore safe mode, there is a restoration of the registry branch responsible for it. In my practice, it was almost always possible to boot into safe mode and perform a system restore.

If you cannot enter safe mode, and you know that there are restore points, you can and should boot from the Windows installation disk and select. If nothing helps, then the hard drive was connected to another computer, all user data was reset and the clean install operating system. Then the data was returned back.

I have never tried using the sfc/scannow recovery command. We'll fix this.

Video in which I will tell you how to enter safe mode in Windows 7 and Windows 8

Operating system Windows for personal computers today the undisputed leader in the world market. One of the main reasons for this popularity of this OS is often called the convenience of working with it for ordinary users.
However, in addition, good ones are also built into the Windows system. administrative diagnostic opportunities, as well as tools that allow you to carry out elementary actions to restore the computer. About one of these "secret rooms" in the Windows system and will be discussed further.

Windows Safe Mode

When working with computer programs various emergency situations may occur. They can be called like instability of the system itself, and errors in a specific application. In addition, sometimes, due to certain specifics of some computer software, its installation and removal is possible only in a strictly regulated environment. This may be due, for example, to the deep integration of the application with the system.

To solve many problems and troubleshoot the system, advanced users use Windows Safe Mode.

First, let's define what Safe Mode is.

Windows Safe Mode- this is a way to start the operating system and the conditions for subsequent work in it, which autoloads only the drivers, services and applications necessary for the functioning of the computer

In simple words Safe mode- is loading a computer with a minimum set of programs.

Starting the system in safe mode can be useful in case of unstable operation of the system in normal mode for various reasons. Moreover, often if computer does not turn on in the usual way, that is, it is likely that it will still be possible to start it in safe mode. In addition, this version of the OS is great for removing some viruses and traces of their existence from a computer.
But, for the same reasons that working in safe mode can be very useful, this way of turning on the computer is not suitable for everyday use. The output of Windows functionality is too truncated. Although, of course, in an emergency, an exception can be made for undemanding operations.

Starting Windows in Safe Mode

Now it would be useful to know how to enter safe mode windows.

The options and ways to get into safe mode may differ depending on the version of your operating system. Consider the main ways to enter Windows Safe Mode.

Ⅰ Enter Safe Mode using hotkeys

This method is only suitable for older versions. Windows systems(in the case of Windows 8 / 8.1 and Windows 10, the method will only work if the system is installed on Legacy BIOS, and not on the new UEFI BIOS). You can use them if you need. get into Safe Mode in Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, or Windows 8/8.1 And Windows 10 with Legacy BIOS.
We turn off the computer. Press the power button and then tap the key several times F8(or F4, less often - other options, depending on the manufacturer of the motherboard / laptop) on the keyboard. In the case of Windows 8 / 8.1 and Windows 10 on the UEFI BIOS, you can try to use the key F8 (F10, F4 or others), but we will talk about this below.
We will see a menu with additional download options

By pressing the up / down arrow buttons on the keyboard, we get to the item Safe mode and press the key Enter

Ⅱ Enter Safe Mode via System Configuration

This option is suitable for entering Safe Mode on all existing Windows operating systems.
Run the utility on the computer Run going to Start - All programs - Standard(in Windows 10 utility Run is in the directory Service), or by pressing the keys on the keyboard Start(on some keyboards it is marked as Win) And R. In the window that opens, enter the command

msconfig

and press the key Enter.

On Windows XP, in a new window, go to the BOOT.INI tab and in the field Download Options put a tick in front of the / SAFEBOOT item. We press the OK button.

On new versions of the operating system, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10 System Configurations will look a little different

Now we restart the computer. The system will start in Safe Mode.
You just need to keep in mind that after that, with each restarting Windows will start in safe mode. To avoid this, you need to go back to System settings and uncheck the box Safe mode

Ⅲ Enter Safe Mode via recovery options

This path is suitable for start in safe mode Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10.

So, first we need to enable system recovery mode. This can be done from Windows settings, and from the shutdown menu:

After that, you will see an action selection window, where you will need to go to Troubleshooting

Download Options

And click the Reload button

We are waiting for the computer to restart and we see a window with launch options

F1-F12 F4

Ⅳ Enter Safe Mode from Command Prompt

The following method is suitable for users who are not afraid to use command Windows string . It also works on all versions of the operating system, up to the latest today - Windows 10.

Launching the command line on behalf of the Administrator


In the console that opens, enter the command

And press the key Enter

Next, we reboot the machine, wait for it to turn on and see the window with launch options already familiar to us from the previous method

Here you see the line button mapping. F1-F12 on the keyboard and Windows startup options. To get into Safe Mode, we need to press the key F4

To turn off the appearance Boot Options every time you start the system, you need to run the command on the command line as Administrator

Ⅴ Enter Safe Mode from the Windows installation disc

This method can also be implemented on any OS version from Microsoft. But, unlike all those described above, we will need not only already installed copy systems, but also installation Windows disk the same version as installed on the PC, or Windows Recovery Disc

We insert the existing disk into the drive of the computer / laptop and boot from it (you can also use a USB drive with a bootable copy of Windows). In the first window, select the language and your region and click Next. In the next window you not click on the Install button, and click on System Restore

In the command line, we execute the command we now know

bcdedit /set (globalsettings) advancedoptions true

And click the Continue button. The system will reboot with the startup mode selected.

To disable this option, on the command line as Administrator, execute

bcdedit /deletevalue (globalsettings)advancedoptions

Ⅵ Enter Safe Mode through an incorrect system shutdown

This method also allows you enter Safe Mode on any version and edition of the Windows operating system but we we do not recommend using it while you have other options. It can be called unwanted or extreme.
The bottom line is that you need shutdown computer urgently:

  • or long press the power button on the case of a PC or laptop;
  • or turn off the computer by unplugging the PC power cable or by disconnecting the laptop from the charger, disconnect the battery from it.

The next system startup after such an abnormal shutdown should start from download suggestions computer.
It makes sense to resort to such drastic measures only if, in the usual Windows work you do not have the opportunity to use one of the methods described above

Working in Windows Safe Mode

We have covered the main ways that can help you. open windows in safe mode. Next, you already need to act depending on the reasons that forced you to start the system in this way.

If you have problems turning on the computer after installing some program or device driver, then you need to remove the problematic software from Windows startup, how to do this is described in detail in the entry:. You may have to completely remove the unstable program from the computer according to the instructions in the entry.

If system crashes are caused by a virus attack, then you need to scan your computer with an antivirus utility and get rid of the malware found.

Everyone stable systems and good luck in mastering the intricacies of Windows

« safe mode"- this is the name of the safe mode. This is a specific mode used for debugging, diagnosing and identifying and fixing errors in any operating system. In diagnostic mode, Win7 disables many components, as well as drivers. There are only those without which the system will not boot. This allows the computer to limit the download unnecessary programs with components and make it possible to understand where the failure occurred in the system, one by one launching the programs used in daily work.

Windows7 allows each person to use the diagnostic mode with two different ways. The first way - the diagnostic mode can be started at computer startup. And the second way - from the environment of the system itself. And for this you need to change the downloads in the OS Configuration. How to log in in one and the other way in more detail.

Safe mode Windows 7 at system startup

Turn on your computer in the traditional way, and while the system boots, instantly, several times, click the " F8". When the Windows 7 logo appears, you should turn off the computer and try pressing F8 again, because the security mode did not load. If several attempts are unsuccessful, wait a moment and turn on the computer again. But if you try to enter the diagnostic mode for a long time, then the problems may be as follows:
  • Function keys do not work (disabled in the default setting). This can be fixed by enabling F1-12 with the dedicated "Fn" key. To do this, when starting Win7, you must hold two keys at once - "Fn" and "F8";
  • If you use a keyboard with arrows and numbers, disable "Num Lock" by pressing the desired button;
  • If you have more than one operating system on your working computer, you must first select Windows7 by pressing the arrows, and then use "Enter".
If everything worked out, you will be taken to " Additional options downloads", where you should select with the arrows " Safe mode» and press « Enter". It will take a couple of seconds for the system to boot into debug mode.

Safe System Mode from Windows 7 environment

Here you will need to change the configuration settings, and it is easy to implement them using the following tips. The Start button contains a search bar, and in it you need to type msconfig on the keyboard and click " Enter».


This command will open Windows configuration 7. In it you need to find the "Download" tab. In this tab, tick the following line - " Safe mode, type minimum". There you will see several safe modes, and they differ in that they start different components and services.

In minimal debug mode Windows 7 loads settings and starts the most important operating system services. But network elements are not loaded in this mode.
recovery mode loads the user UI, significant services Win7 systems and a special Active directory.
Another shell in debug mode, loads only the systems needed to start the service, other components (network and graphics) are disabled.
In the network diagnostic mode, important programs, user settings, and network components are loaded.

The following values ​​​​of the "" tab, which is located in the OS configuration, are also of interest.
The boot log stores data about system downloads (responsible for safety Text Document ntbtlog).
In the information about the computer, you can see all the downloaded drivers.
You can turn off the welcome screen in the GUI.
The main video will load limited custom settings without monitor drivers.
Unchangeable download options. Each change that is made to the OS configuration can be undone later, but only manually. If you select the options above, you will not be able to boot Windows7 normally.

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