How to use the most recent correct configuration to start the computer

If you have a startup problem immediately after you make changes to your computer (for example, after installing a new driver), try starting your computer with the "Last Known Good Configuration" feature.

When using the "Last Known Good Configuration" feature, you will use the most recent possible settings to start your computer. This feature restores valid registry information and driver settings when the computer was successfully started last time. This feature should be used if you cannot start Windows after making changes to your computer, such as after installing or upgrading device drivers.

To start your computer with the "Last Known Good Configuration" feature, follow these steps:

1. Click Start , and then click Shut Down .
2. Click Restart, and then click OK.
3. When you see the "Please select the operating system to start" message, press the F8 key.
4. Use the arrow keys to select "Last Known Good Configuration" and press Enter.
   
   Note: Num Lock must be turned off so that the arrow keys on the numeric keypad will work.
5. If you have another operating system running on your computer, click Microsoft Windows Server 2003 in the list and press Enter.
   
   Note:
   • By selecting "Last Known Good Configuration", you can recover from problems such as newly added drivers that may not be suitable for your hardware. This feature does not address issues caused by broken or missing drivers or files.
   • When you select "Last Known Good Configuration", only the information in the registry key HKLM\\System\\CurrentControlSet is restored. Any changes you make in other registry keys will be preserved.
     
     If you can start your computer with "Last Known Good Configuration", the last changes you made to your computer (such as installing drivers) may be the cause of the wrong startup issue. Microsoft recommends removing or updating the driver or program and then testing if Windows starts correctly.