Security mode is the Windows diagnostic mode. When you start your computer in Safe mode, only the specific components required to run the operating system are loaded. Safe mode does not support certain features, such as connecting to the Internet. It also loads a low-resolution video driver; therefore, the display of the program and the Windows desktop may be different from usual. In addition, desktop icons may move to other locations on the desktop.
Note:
This information is provided for your convenience. Safe mode is a feature of the operating system. If you need additional help with starting your computer in Safe Mode, contact Microsoft or your computer manufacturer. The focus of this document is on the operating systems supported by the currently available Symantec software and the operating system that contains the System Configuration Utility, which is used to configure the system to start in secure mode. For operating systems that do not include the System Configuration Utility, and other ways to launch the operating system that contains the utility in secure mode, we provide links to other documents.
Windows 98/Me
Windows 98/Me includes "System Configuration Utility". If your computer boots properly to Windows, the following is the easiest way to restart your computer in Safe Mode, which is also the recommended method.
Configure the System Configuration Utility to start the computer in Safe Mode:
1. Close all open programs.
2. Click "Start" and then click "Run". The Run dialog box will appear.
3. Type msconfig and click OK.
4. The "System Configuration Utility" shown below will appear. (The display in Windows Me may be slightly different.) Click Advanced.
5. The "Advanced Troubleshooting Settings" dialog box will appear. Check "Enable the 'Start' menu" as shown here, then click "OK". Once the System Configuration Utility appears again, click OK again.
6. You will be prompted to restart your computer. Click "Yes". The computer will restart in safe mode. (This may take a few minutes.)
Note: After completing all troubleshooting (in safe mode), repeat the above steps, but in step 5, uncheck "Enable 'Startup' menu" and then close All programs restart the computer in normal mode.
Windows 2000
Windows 2000 does not include the System Configuration Utility.
Note: Some IT departments or computer manufacturers may include the System Configuration Utility in a custom Windows 2000 installation. The versions they contain may vary. Versions for Windows 98/Me and Windows XP can run on Windows 2000. (This method is not supported by Microsoft.) If Windows 2000 starts properly and System Configuration Utility is installed on your computer, follow the instructions for Windows 98/Me or XP (depending on the version you are using). Otherwise, continue to follow the instructions in this section.
Start Windows 2000 in Safe Mode:
1. If your computer is running, turn off Windows and turn off the power.
2. Wait 30 seconds before turning on the computer.
3. When the black and white start Windows bar appears at the bottom of the screen, press the F8 key. The Windows 2000 Advanced Options menu will appear.
4. Make sure the "Safe Mode" option is selected. In most cases, it is the first item in the list and is selected by default. (If it is not selected, use the arrow keys on your keyboard to select it.)
5. Press Enter. The computer will start in safe mode. This may take a few minutes.
6. After completing all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart your computer in normal mode.
Windows XP
Windows XP includes the System Configuration Utility. If your computer boots properly to Windows, the following is the easiest way to restart your computer in Safe Mode, which is also the recommended method.
Configure the System Configuration Utility to start the computer in Safe Mode:
1. Close all open programs.
2. Click "Start" and then click "Run". The Run dialog box will appear.
3. Type msconfig and click OK.
4. The “System Configuration Utility” will appear as shown below. Select the /SAFEBOOT option and click OK.
5. You will be prompted to restart your computer. Click "Restart".
The computer will restart in safe mode. (This may take a few minutes.)
Note: After completing all troubleshooting (in safe mode), repeat the above steps, but in step 4, uncheck "/SAFEBOOT" and then close all programs and Restart your computer in normal mode.