Safe mode is a special way for Windows to load when there is a system-critical problem that interferes with the normal operation of Windows. The purpose of Safe mode is to allow you to troubleshoot Windows and try to determine what is causing it to not function correctly. Once you have corrected the problem, then you can reboot and Windows will load normally.

Safe mode looks and acts differently than normal Windows. In Safe mode:

• You cannot connect to the Internet.
• Windows looks different.
• Many programs that start with Windows will not start.

To start your computer in Safe mode:

1. Restart your computer.
2. While your computer is restarting, press <F8>.
   Important: You must press <F8> at the moment just before Windows begins to start. If you see a "keyboard error" message, restart the computer and try again.
3. Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, select Safe Mode and then press <Enter>.