Windows Safe Mode
Rating: Beginner. Windows XP and Windows Vista.
Windows Safe Mode is ideal for combating adware, spyware and virus infections. This is because when Safe mode is loaded, only the essential system files and resources are loaded into Windows. Why this is helpful is that a lot of the time this will also stop the infection from running in safe mode. Windows will not let you delete a file that is actively running on a system and so in safe mode you may be able to just find the file and delete it if it is no longer running. Most of the time you will not have to delete the file directly and your scanning software will now be able to remove it for you.
How to load Windows Safe Mode
First of all save anything that you have open and then restart your computer by clicking the 'Start Button' followed by 'Shut Down' and then 'Restart'.
Your computer will then close itself down and begin to restart. You'll now be able to see the all too familiar boot screens with the black background and white text. Now as soon as these are loading up, keep gently tapping the F8 key. That's the Function 8 key labelled as F8 near the top on your keyboard.
You'll then be presented with a very basic looking menu (you can stop tapping now). This is called the 'Windows Advanced Options Menu' and looks like this:
Please select an option:
Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Enable Boot Logging
Enable VGA mode
Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked)
Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows domain controllers only)
Debugging Mode
Start Windows Normally
Reboot
Return to OS Choices Menu
Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight to your choice.
Using the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard select the 'Safe Mode' option. Make sure you don't choose the 'Safe Mode with Networking' option as this will still allow the Internet and network to be active. This could allow the infection to download itself again or send itself on to another computer.
Windows should then start loading. Don't worry if the screen looks very blocky and the text size has increased. This is very normal and Windows has done this to ensure your system is running in its most stable state. Log into an account at the welcome screen - if you can see one called 'Administrator' then this one will be the best one as you will have the most control over the system. Once you have logged in you will be able to see the Desktop and you are now in Safe Mode.
To get out of Safe Mode click the 'Start Button' followed by 'Shut Down' and then 'Restart'. Your computer will then load up as normal with all the settings active.
