Microsoft Windows Safe Mode Explained

Safe Mode starts a Microsoft Windows-based computer with a limited set of programs and device drivers.

It is a special way for Windows to load with just the bare essentials when there is a system-critical problem that interferes with the normal operation of the computer's operating system (OS).

Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems which may occur after installing a new program or loading a new piece of hardware or device driver.  Consider the following:

1. If a problem does not reappear when you boot/start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. 
2. If a recently installed or updated program, piece of hardware, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that is causing the problem.

So how do you access safe mode?

1. If your computer has a single operating system installed, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts.  You MUST press F8 BEFORE the Windows logo appears.  If the Windows logo appears, you will need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer or performing a hard restart (pressing the restart button on the computer or holding down the power button until the computer goes off).
2. If your computer has more than one operating system, use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight the OS you want to start in safe mode, and then press F8.

The different Safe Modes:

1. Safe mode - this loads only the very basic files and device drivers (mouse, monitor, keyboard, mass storage, basic video, default system services, but no network connections).
2. Safe Mode with Networking - this loads all of the safe mode files and drivers as well as the Windows essential services and drivers needed to start networking/LAN.
3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt - this loads exactly the same files and drivers as safe mode except that a command prompt (DOS Prompt) is started instead of the graphical user interface (GUI).
4. Last Known Good Configuration - this mode starts your computer using the registry information that was saved at the last proper shutdown.  It's like a "fast restore".

NB: When your computer is booting into Safe Mode you will see lots of files being displayed on your monitor along with a temporary sort of freeze - this is normal for Safe Mode.