Safe mode is a Windows maintenance mode where only the bare minimum of drivers are loaded. In fact, you don’t even have access to CD-ROMs, printers and other types of hardware. Basically, it is bare basics Windows, and it looks like it when you launch, too. But, using safe mode can be helpful in debugging driver issues. For example, if you have driver conflicts or installed the wrong drivers for a device, you can go into safe mode and un-install those drivers. Sometimes you can use it to debug software issues. By using safe mode, you can see if a certain programs run in safe mode, and if it does, rule out a buggy program and know that a driver or other software is conflicting and causing your problems. Note, of course, that not all programs will run in safe mode. Safe mode is also a good way to un-install older drivers from hardware you simply removed and did not un-install the drivers for.

To get to Safe mode, press the F8 key when Windows starts to boot. You have to do this BEFORE you see the first “Windows” screen. I start tapping away at mine when as soon as I get by the BIOS startup screen or the manufacturer’s splash screen. Experiment and you’ll get it. Once you get in, Windows will warn you that you are in safe mode, and your screen will be in 16-color mode at a very big resolution, usually.