Any PC user may encounter problems with Windows 7. In this case, the malfunction can be so serious that the operating system, in its normal mode, will start to slow down considerably or even refuse to start up. Fortunately, there is a surefire method to fix all this, or at least to diagnose and identify the cause of the problem. Of course, this is Windows 7 Safe Mode, also known as Safe Mode. This article is dedicated to him.
Appointment
Before you enable safe mode on Windows 7, it’s worthwhile to figure out what, in general, it represents and what its purpose is. So, this is a special mechanism for starting the operating system, in which only basic drivers and services are used. Simply put, even if some program crashes the computer, in safe mode, Windows 7, it simply will not turn on.
First of all, Safe Mode is used for diagnostics. So, if the computer does not start in normal mode, but works quietly in safe mode, then the cause of the malfunction must be sought in the software, and not in the hardware. Particular attention should be paid to recently installed applications and drivers. By removing such programs one at a time and trying to start Windows in normal mode, you will eventually fix the problem.
Types of Safe Mode
Not everyone knows, but the safe mode of Windows 7 is divided into three types, each of which has its own characteristics:
- Normal. The basic version with a minimum set of programs and drivers. In most cases, this mode is enough for you to solve all the problems that have arisen.
- With network support. Almost the same as the previous option, but with the ability to use network connections. In other words, if you want to access the Internet in the process of identifying and fixing a problem, then this type of Safe Mode is ideal for you. The problem is that malicious programs can also connect to the network, which means that there is a chance that they will do even more harm to your computer.
- With command line support. Turning on this mode, you will see before you not the usual desktop, but an interface in which you can only enter special letter commands. This function is useful to you only in special cases, so do not use it unnecessarily.
Before you start the safe mode of Windows 7, it is important to decide which of its types is right for you at the moment. If in doubt, use the usual one.
Standard startup method
The first of the methods to start the safe mode of Windows 7 on a laptop or PC is good because it can be used even before the OS starts. It consists in the following:
- As soon as the computer turns on, press the F8 key. It is important to have time to do this before the Windows logo appears, otherwise you will have to restart your PC and start all over again. If you are afraid to miss the right moment, you can press F8 several times in a row. Just don’t overdo it, otherwise the team simply won’t work.
- If you did everything correctly, a menu will appear on the screen with the ability to select the type of Safe Mode you need. Highlight the option you are interested in using the arrows on the keyboard and press Enter.
- Wait until the system loads all the necessary services. Usually this process takes no more than a minute, but on slow computers it can take a long time.
Please note that the desktop in safe mode Windows 7 starts at a low resolution. If necessary, you can change this option if it is more convenient for you to work.
Login through settings
This method of enabling the safe mode of Windows 7 is suitable for you, provided that your operating system starts, but slows down or freezes after some time. To use it, do this:
- Wait for the OS to boot and press the Win + R button combination.
- Type msconfig in the line that appears and press Enter.
- A menu opens with the system startup settings, in which the General tab will be opened by default. Here you need to switch from the option “Normal start” to “Diagnostic start”.
- Now go to the download tab. Here it is necessary to activate the safe mode (check the box), and then select one of the options (recommended "Minimum").
After that, you just have to confirm the changes and restart the PC. If you did everything right, you will immediately enter Safe Mode. Please note that the next time you restart, the computer will start normally.
Command line activation
Another way to run Windows 7 Safe Mode on a computer with a running operating system. It is done like this:
- Wait until the OS boots up and press Win + R.
- Type cmd and press Enter.
- Now type BCDedit and press Enter again.
- A list of all possible characteristics of your computer appears. You need to rewrite (or remember) what is written in the "Identifier" section.
- Next, write "bcdedit / set {ID} safeboot minimal", substituting the data from the section of the same name instead of {ID} (the ones that you rewrote in the previous step).
- Close the window and restart the PC.
Be that as it may, this method is recommended only for advanced users. The fact is that in order to exit Safe Mode, you will have to go to the command line again and enter “bcdedit / deletevalue {ID} safeboot”. Otherwise, the computer will continue to work in Safe Mode.
Emergency way
Although quite rare, but it happens that none of the above methods you can not turn on Safe Mode. In this case, do the following:
- Turn on or restart your computer.
- As soon as the Windows logo appears, click on the Reset button on the system unit. If you don’t have such a button, you can use the power switch (you need to turn it off, then turn it on).
- These actions will be regarded by the operating system as a critical failure, so Windows will automatically prompt you to boot into Safe Mode.
Keep in mind that this method is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. A sudden power outage can lead to problems in the operating system, as well as to problems with the hard drive.
Possible problems
When you try to start Safe Mode, you may encounter some problems. Here are the solutions for the most common ones:
- On selected notebook models, you cannot use the F8 key to launch Safe Mode. In this case, you will need to press the combination Fn + F8.
- If you have already launched one of the types of safe mode, but see only a black screen with letters in front of you, try pressing Enter or Space.
- Once on the desktop in Safe Mode, you will find that it does not have a single icon. To add “My Computer” there, right-click on the table and go to the “Personalization” section. After that, open the “Change Icons” category and select the ones you need. Remember to apply the changes.
That's basically all about safe mode in Windows 7. By the way, some of the ways to start it work in later versions of the operating system.