Booting Windows® Into the Safe Mode

Start tapping the F8 key as the computer is booting, just after the BIOS self test, but before the Windows logo loads. If the F8 key doesn't work, try either the left or right "Ctrl" keys.

If, after several attempts on a Windows 2000 or XP computer, this procedure does not get into the Safe Mode, turn off the computer. Then when the computer is turned on again, Windows should notice that the computer did not boot successfully and give you the Safe Mode screen.

Press and hold the "F8" key. just after the BIOS self test, but before the Windows logo loads.

If this doesn't work, there is an alternate method to force a Safe Mode boot. Open up the Start > Search box and type in "msconfig" (without the quote marks). Select the "Boot" tab and check the box for "Safe boot".