Enabling safe mode. How to enter safe mode in Windows7. Using Msconfig - System Configuration

operating system Windows For personal computers Today it is the undisputed leader in the world market. One of the main reasons for the popularity of this OS is often cited as the ease of use for ordinary users.
However, in addition, the Windows system also has good built-in administrative diagnostic capabilities, as well as tools that allow you to carry out basic 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 arise. They can be called as instability of the system itself, so errors in the operation of a specific application. In addition, sometimes, due to the specific nature of some computer software, its installation and removal are possible only in a strictly regulated environment. This may be due, for example, to deep integration of the application with the system.

To solve many problems and eliminate system malfunctions, experienced users use Safe Windows mode .

First, let’s define what Safe Mode is.

Windows Safe Mode- this is the way to launch operating system and the conditions for subsequent work in it, which automatically loads drivers, services and applications exclusively necessary for the functioning of the computer

In simple words, Safe Mode- this is loading a computer with a minimum set of programs.

Starting the system in safe mode may be useful in case unstable work systems in normal mode for various reasons. Moreover, often if computer won't turn on in the usual way, that is, there is a possibility that it will still be possible to start it in safe mode. In addition, this operating system option is excellent for removing some viruses and traces of their existence from the computer.
But, for the same reasons why running in Safe Mode can be very useful, this method of turning on the computer is not suitable for everyday use. The resulting Windows functionality is too stripped down. Although, of course, in an emergency situation, an exception can be made for undemanding operations.

Start Windows in Safe Mode

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

The options and paths to enter safe mode may vary depending on the version of your operating system. Let's look at the main ways to enter Windows Safe Mode.

Ⅰ Enter Safe Mode using hotkeys

This method is only suitable for older versions of the Windows system (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 it 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.
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 UEFI BIOS, you can try to use the key F8 (F10, F4 or others), but we’ll talk about that below.
A menu will appear in front of us 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 Execute going to Start - All programs - Standard(in Windows 10 the utility Execute is in the catalog Service), or by holding down the keys on the keyboard Start(on some keyboards this is marked as Win) And R. In the window that opens, enter the command

Msconfig

and press the button Enter.

On Windows XP, in a new window, go to the BOOT.INI tab and in the field Boot Options check the box next to /SAFEBOOT. Click the OK button.

On new versions of the operating system, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10 window 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 this, with each reboot 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 producing running in safe mode Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10.

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

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

Boot Options

And click the Restart button

We wait for the computer to restart and see a window with startup options

F1-F12 F4

Ⅳ Enter Safe Mode from the Command Line

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

Launch 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 correspondence diagram F1-F12 on the keyboard and options Windows startup. To get into Safe Mode we need to press the key F4

To turn off appearance Boot options Every time the system starts, you need to run the command on the command line as Administrator

Ⅴ Enter Safe Mode from the Windows installation disk

This method can also be implemented on any version of the Microsoft OS. But, unlike all those described above, we will need not only an already installed copy of the system, but also installation Windows disk the same version that is installed on the PC, or Windows Recovery Disk

We insert the existing disk into the computer/laptop drive and boot from it (you can also use a USB drive with a bootable a 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

On 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, run on the command line as Administrator

Bcdedit /deletevalue (globalsettings)advancedoptions

Ⅵ Enter Safe Mode through an incorrect system shutdown

This method can also allow you enter Safe Mode on any version and edition of the Windows operating system, but we we do not recommend resorting to it , while you have other options. It can be called unwanted or extreme.
The point is that you need shut down your computer urgently:

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

The next system startup after such an abnormal shutdown should begin with suggestions for download options computer.
It only makes sense to resort to such radical measures if, as usual, Windows operation you do not have the opportunity to use one of the methods described above

Working in Windows Safe Mode

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

If you have problems turning on your computer after installing some program or device driver, then you need to remove the problematic software from Windows startup, as this entry describes in detail: Autoload. Adding applications to Windows startup. You may have to completely remove the unstable program from your computer according to the instructions given in the recording Uninstalling programs in Windows safe mode

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

Stable systems to everyone and good luck in mastering the intricacies of Windows

This article is for those who have ever heard the concept of “Windows Safe Mode” in the computer field, but are not aware of what it even means, what it is for and how to enter this very mode. And the thing, in fact, is sometimes very useful and can help out in case of problems with your computer. It is, in general, designed as a diagnostic mode and, moreover, launching this mode is not at all difficult. Let's take a closer look at what this mode is, what it's for, and how to launch it!

What is Safe Mode and why you might need it

Safe mode is available in every Windows operating system and during normal operation of the system, without any failures, you will not see this mode anywhere. You won’t be able to switch to it just like that by accident. This mode is one of the Windows diagnostic modes, of which there are several.

By starting Windows in safe mode, you will see a regular operating system, but with a simplified graphical shell, i.e., any themes, desktop backgrounds, and other complex graphics will not work. But the most important thing is that only the most basic, vital for Windows services, and all programs that automatically start when Windows starts will be turned off. Here Windows example 7 running in safe mode:

In others Windows versions there will be no fundamental differences.

What will launching the system in this mode with a strong limitation in functionality give us? After all, most of the services will not work, which means that even many programs will not be able to start. But you need all this if Windows won’t start in normal mode. The reasons for Windows not starting in standard mode can be completely different, from ordinary errors in system operation to all sorts of viral infections and glitches/failures of computer components. If Windows does not start due to a malfunction or malfunction of some device inside the computer, then safe mode is unlikely to help you, because in this case it will most likely not start either. However, it’s still worth a try, especially since you can’t immediately determine what the problem is: the computer’s hardware or its software part!

In cases of failures in the computer software, safe mode can often help out. Suppose you installed some incompatible driver on some device and after rebooting, Windows stopped starting in standard mode, for example, it displays blue screen death (as the window is usually called blue with incomprehensible inscriptions when trying to boot Windows) or something else. In this case, first of all, you can try to boot the computer in safe mode, because, as I wrote above, only everything that is most basic and necessary for the system will start there, and as a result, Windows can start in this mode. Well, then all that remains is to use this safe mode to find the reason why Windows refuses to start in standard mode. For example, remove a faulty driver or some program, clear viruses, etc.

In safe mode, you can run your anti-virus scanner in order to clean your computer of viruses, you can run the program built into Windows to restore the system to one of its earlier states (for example, a few days before the crash occurred), and also use other programs and built-in Windows tools.

How to enter Windows Safe Mode

Now that you understand in general what Safe Mode is for, it’s time to move on to the process of entering this mode. There is basically nothing complicated here, but the process for entering this mode may differ depending on the version of Windows you are using.

Typically there are 3 types of safe modes:

Safe Mode. This is a standard version of safe mode, in which the most necessary services and programs for Windows are launched and even network drivers are not loaded, i.e. in this mode you will not be able to access the Internet;

Safe Mode with Boot network drivers . It differs from the standard safe mode in that network drivers are additionally loaded, which will provide you with access to the Internet through this mode;

Safe Mode with Command Line Support. It differs from standard safe mode only in that immediately after its launch the command line will also be launched. Windows string(i.e. console).

In case of problems, I recommend using first of all the standard safe mode (in the window it will be called “Safe Mode”), since the network-enabled mode can again cause a failure, because you don’t know what exactly is wrong, maybe just network drivers. Well, launching the command line can’t help much; perhaps only administrators who know most of the service commands can use it.

Entering Safe Mode on older versions of Windows: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7

To enter Safe Mode on Windows XP, Vista or 7, you must first restart your computer. If it's off, just turn it on.

In this window, your mouse will not work and you will only be able to move around the window using the arrow keys on the keyboard. So, use the Up and Down arrows on your keyboard to select Safe Mode and press the Enter key to launch.

In a few seconds, safe mode will start!

Entering Safe Mode on Windows 8 and 10

On Windows 8 and 10, entering safe mode is implemented a little differently. If something happens to your computer and it does not boot in normal mode, then these systems will automatically offer one of the solution options, including starting in safe mode. That is, for example, your system suddenly did not start in standard mode. In this case, the computer will reboot and a special service will start. Windows program, where to launch Safe Mode you need to select "Boot Options":

Your mouse should work in this window, so you can use it to select menu items.

In the next window, click the reboot button:

The computer will reboot and a window will appear where you need to use the F1-F9 keys to select the desired startup mode.

Safe mode is numbered 4, so to launch it, press F4 accordingly.

That's the whole process of starting safe mode if your Windows system 8 or Windows 10 something is wrong and it does not boot in standard mode.

But for some purposes you may also need to start safe mode even when your system successfully boots in standard mode. For example, you want to scan your computer for viruses from safe mode, which is more in a reliable way checks or want to delete something that cannot be deleted through standard mode. In this case, you need to activate the launch of special Windows boot options directly from its interface.

Enabling special boot options in Windows 8

Press the key combination WIN + I. The settings panel will appear on the right, where at the bottom we click “Change computer settings.”

In the next window, select “Update and Recovery”.

In the next window, on the left, select “Recovery” (1) and on the right, click “Restart now” (2) under the heading “Special boot options.”

Conclusion

Now you have learned what safe mode is in Windows and how you can start it on different versions this operating system. This mode can sometimes be very helpful, because you can try to fix something in it if the system does not boot in normal mode.

Have a nice day and good mood! Bye;)

Safe Mode is a diagnostic, debugging option for starting the operating system. It is used in case of malfunctions, freezes or inability to load Windows. Since such problems arise mainly due to incorrect operation installed applications and drivers or malware getting onto the computer, then safe mode in such situations can come in very handy. In this mode, the operating system starts with a minimum of basic components, while other system services, as well as installed programs and the drivers remain inactive. This can help you identify the cause of the failure using a process of elimination and remove conflicting or dormant malware from the system. Safe Mode is also used to correctly roll back the operating system to a recovery point, reset the administrator password (if this is not possible in the main mode), access files and folders blocked in normal mode, and solve many other problems.

Safe Mode Options

Safe Mode (the most commonly used option, starts the system with a minimum set of active components and graphical interface support);

Safe mode with loading network drivers (a similar option with additional support for working with local network and Internet access);

Safe Mode with Command Line Support (starts the system without a graphical interface, all operations are performed by entering commands in cmd, to return to the mode with a graphical shell, use the explorer.exe command).

How to start safe mode

To enter Safe Mode, you can use one of the following methods.

1. Through the menu of additional boot options

Restart your computer by clicking on the menu icon Start → Shutdown→ . If your computer is frozen, click Reset to force restart or hold power button Power to turn off the PC, and then turn it on again.

During restart (immediately after initializing the BIOS), press the key several times F8 to enter the menu.

Attention! Different motherboards may use different keys to enter the boot menuF1- F12, DELand others. Keyboard shortcuts can also be assigned, e.g.Shift + F..., Ctrl + F..., Fn + F...

After entering the menu Additional download options select the appropriate safe mode option using the arrows and ↓ on your keyboard and press Enter.

After this, Windows will boot into safe mode. To exit it, you need to restart your PC again.

2. Through Windows settings (System Configuration)

Click on the menu icon Start(you can also use the keyboard shortcut Win+R), in the line that appears, type the command msconfig and press Enter.

In the window that opens System Configuration on the tab General check the option Diagnostic run.

To exit Safe Mode, repeat the steps above, selecting the option Normal launch and unchecking the option Safe Mode. Confirm the operation by clicking otherwise the computer will continue to boot in safe mode!

3. Via the command line (cmd)

Click on menu Start and in the line that appears, enter the command: cmd . Launch Command Prompt with administrator rights by right-clicking on cmd.exe and selecting the option Run as administrator.

In the command prompt window, enter the command: BCDedit and press Enter. After the system provides information about the PC configuration, pay attention to the section. In this section you need to remember identifier, since it will be used when composing commands to start safe mode.

bcdedit /set (ID) safeboot minimal - command to start safe mode;

bcdedit /set (ID) safeboot network - command to start safe mode with network support;

bcdedit /set (ID) safebootalternateshell yes - command to start safe mode with command prompt.

For example, the command to start simple safe mode in our example would look like this: bcdedit /set (current) safeboot minimal.

After completing the operation, close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer. To exit safe mode, open Command Prompt again with administrator rights, enter the command: bcdedit /deletevalue (ID) safeboot and reboot the system, otherwise Windows will continue to boot in safe mode!

Most likely, neither in Windows 7 nor in the XP version, you will not have to boot into this service safe operating mode very often. Nevertheless, it is rare, as they say, but aptly, to do this. Therefore, such a possibility should always be at hand, and you should not leave this task unsolved - the system does not enter safe mode.

Why might you suddenly need to turn on “safe-mode”:

1. If, suddenly during normal download a program is launched that disrupts all further work. In safe mode, this program will not start from the Startup folder or from the registry. You are given the opportunity to delete the program launch and boot again normally.
2. If you have installed an unsuccessful device driver, which also does not allow you to log into the system normally, you can enter “safe-mode”, when only simple drivers are installed, and remove the bad one.
3. If the system does not work normally due to errors in the registry, you can open the registry of the same in safe mode utility program, included with Windows, delete unnecessary settings or entire partitions and re-enter an already running system.
4. In the end, as a result of some serious failure, after an emergency, abnormal exit from the system, the next time you boot, the system itself may not automatically boot the computer after turning it on in the usual way, but will offer you to select the boot menu, the most important item in which will be safe .

We draw attention to another important factor - when loading this “service” mode, they do not start system files autoexec.bat and config.sys.

You can boot into safe mode from boot menu, if after activating the boot of the laptop after turning on the power, hold down the F8 key.

Thus, if your laptop does not boot in disassembled mode, this is a reason to take action to correct the error, which means that there is a glitch in the system that requires elimination.

First simple steps

All actions to restore access to safe mode can be collected in one global recovery process. To do this, through the main menu, click the “Start” button, go to “Control Panel” and select “System Restore”. Click on the “Yes” button and wait for the result. Upon completion of the process, you need to start the computer again “from scratch” and try using F8 to get the boot menu.

Another thing is if the system is basically inaccessible to you, you cannot boot in normal mode. The reasons for this may be:

• damage to the laptop file system;
• hardware failures;
• power failures;
• the presence of a global virus attack at the CMOS or registry level (changing boot parameters or disabling information about safe mode).

Global reasons

Firstly, it is almost certainly impossible to avoid moving the system to a laptop (or desktop PC, of ​​course). Moreover, we recommend doing this by formatting system disk, on which the system previously stood. Hence the conclusion - you need to skillfully organize the storage of information on your computer, we offer the best option:

1. On the system one (C:, and there is no need for unnecessary frills) we store the system itself and all installed programs - for this, with skillful work, when you know what you want, 200 GB is quite enough.
2. On the “user for business” (D:) - all the information on the work: documentation, tables, graphics, developments - it’s better to allocate more here - 300 GB.
3. On the “user for the soul” (E:) - all the music, movies, photos - here 100 GB is a lot, although, of course, depending on who you are, it all depends on why this very laptop is needed in the first place.
4. On the “installation” (F:) - all installations - 100 GB.
5. On the “backup” (G:) - 100 GB for every fireman to transfer information, sometimes it is necessary.

Of course, one can argue about the given volumes, but it doesn’t hurt to listen to this idea - “C - and everything else.” Now, if you are rearranging the system, you can safely format the system disk. After formatting, you get a completely clean disk, you won’t have a single program left, but you have them on the “installation” disk, but you haven’t lost your work for last year– she’s all D.

Often the problem when safe mode does not turn on is associated with the influence of viruses, so it is best to format the entire hard drive, but here you will need to solve the problem backup copies(by the way, this problem for unorganized, naughty users has again been heavily talked about in connection with this WannaCry virus, but this, as they say, is a completely different song, but oh, what a loud one).

Frankly speaking, all distributions allow you to restore from the last point of its image. But this is not recommended. Firstly, often such an opportunity is a simple bait, it just doesn’t work - it will open, it will start, but after 5-10 minutes it will “say”: sorry, I can’t. And then, if you haven’t found out the reason for the impossibility of working in safe mode and restoring “from the point” is useless, because the viruses all remain untouched “like pieces of glass” (and the fact that this is their business is 40 percent, for sure).

Using special utilities

If you are not satisfied with reinstalling the system one way or another, you can use special utility, of which there are quite a few on the software market. All these utilities require very careful attention; not all of them work perfectly, but they can solve the problem of returning work in safe mode.

AVZ program window

1. In the window that opens, select “File” and “System Restore”.
2. A window opens in which we find the line “Restore boot settings to SafeMode.”
3. Exit the window using the “OK” button.
4. The program restores the registry branches responsible for protected (as our “safe” mode is also called).
5. Upon completion, we restart the computer and try to call up the safe mode of Windows XP (or any other, the utility works in any).

As for specific systems, you can use a configuration change to resolve the issue when Windows 7 Safe Mode does not start. To do this:

Among the programs that can also solve the problem of starting a safe one, we note SaveModeRepair and SafeBootKeyRepair. They allow you to restore the registry branches responsible for normal and full loading.

If you have Windows 10

In light of the latest modifications of Windows 10, which Microsoft is persistently offering on the market, it is very important to turn to Win10, especially since it has significant features. These features also affected the problem under consideration. Thus, you need to enter Windows 10 safe mode in a special way.

If the system does not boot, then safe mode can be started with a system image that was previously recorded on the flash drive from which you will need to boot (let’s not forget about the purpose in the BIOS), while:

But we warn you: errors associated with the inability to boot into “SafeMode” can be so serious (which happens more often) that the only way to restore full operation of the computer, regardless of the OS version, is to reinstall it. Therefore, always keep the distribution kit at hand.

"Safe Mode" implies limited loading Windows, for example, running without network drivers. In this mode you can try to fix problems. You can also work fully in some programs, but downloading or installing anything on your computer in safe mode is strictly not recommended, as this can lead to serious failures.

“Safe Mode” is needed solely to solve problems within the system, so it is not suitable for constant work with the OS (editing any documents, etc.). “Safe Mode” is a simplified version of the OS with everything you need. It does not have to be launched from the BIOS, for example, if you are working on the system and notice any problems with it, you can try to log in using « Command line» . In this case, you do not need to restart your computer.

If you cannot enter the operating system or have already exited it, then it is better to actually try to enter through the BIOS, as this will be safer.

Method 1: Boot Keyboard Combination

This method is the simplest and most proven. To do this, you will need to restart your computer and, before the operating system starts loading, press the key F8 or combination Shift+F8. Then a menu should appear asking you to select an OS boot option. In addition to the usual one, you can choose several types of safe mode.

Sometimes a shortcut key combination may not work because it is disabled by the system itself. In some cases, it can be connected, but to do this you will need to log in to the system normally.

Use the following step-by-step instructions:

It is worth remembering that some motherboards And BIOS version do not support entering Safe Mode using key combinations during boot (although this is very rare).

Method 2: Boot disk

This method is much more complicated than the previous one, but it guarantees results. To complete this you will need media with Windows installer. First you need to insert the USB flash drive and restart the computer.

If after reboot you do not see the Wizard Windows installations- this means you need to distribute boot priorities in the BIOS.