Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Windows 8
• Method 2 of 3: Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP
• Method 3 of 3: Mac OS X
• Tips

Safe Mode is a way to boot your computer with a limited set of files and drivers - it helps you identify which component is causing certain problems. Follow the steps in this article to boot your computer in Safe Mode for Mac OS X, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Windows 8

1. Turn on your computer.
2. Once Windows 8 has started, click or tap the power button on the sign-in screen.
3. Hold down the shift key and click or tap "Restart". The computer will now open the "Startup Settings" window.
4. Select "Safe Mode" and press enter. The computer will now boot in safe mode.

Method 2 of 3: Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP

1. Remove all drives from your computer (external hard drives, USB sticks, CDs or DVDs).
2. Restart your computer.
3. Hold down the F8 key while the computer reboots. The "Advanced Boot Options" window will now open.
4. Use your arrow keys to select "Safe Mode" and press enter. Now the computer will boot in safe mode.

Method 3 of 3: Mac OS X

1. Turn on your computer.
2. Wait until you hear the startup chime and then press the shift key. Keep the button pressed.
3. Release the shift key after the apple appears on your screen. Your Mac will now boot in Safe Mode.

Tips

• You exit safe mode by restarting your computer.
• If the above method doesn't work right away, just try again. Sometimes you don't get into safe mode right away due to incorrect timing of key presses.
• If you want to boot a Mac in Safe Mode without a keyboard, you can do that from another Mac on the same network. Once you have access to your computer, type "sudo nvram boot-args =" - x "into the Terminal program and the selected computer will boot in safe mode.
• If you have a Windows computer with two operating systems, you must first select the operating system when booting into safe mode.
• If the arrow keys don't work on your keyboard, briefly press "NUM LOCK" to unlock the arrow keys.