The Safe Mode in Windows 95 and Windows 98/ME is a special operating mode in which only the mouse, keyboard, and standard VGA device drivers are loaded. This streamlined instance of the operating system makes the Safe Mode useful for troubleshooting software installation and operation issues, local printing problems, video display issues, and general operating system performance. Note, however, that the USB device driver is not loaded. Therefore to operate in this mode you cannot use a USB mouse, or USB keyboard.

Windows 98/ME starts in the Safe Mode by using the "Ctrl" key:

1. Press the "Ctrl" key and choose Start > Shut Down > Restart the Computer.
2. Release the "Ctrl" key when you see the Desktop dialog box that indicates Windows 98/ME is running in the Safe Mode.

Windows 95 starts in the Safe Mode by using the "F8" key:

1. Choose Start > Shut Down > Restart the Computer.
2. When you see the message, "Starting Windows 95. . .," press the "F8" key. (The "Starting Windows 95. . ." message appears on a black screen immediately before the Windows Startup screen.)
3. Choose "Safe Mode" from the Windows startup menu. (Do not select Safe Mode with Network Support.)
4. Click OK in the Desktop dialog box that indicates Windows 95 is running in the Safe Mode. If "Safe Mode" does not appear in each corner of the Desktop, repeat steps (1) through (3).