University Computer Help Desk

Running Windows in safe mode can be helpful when trying to troubleshoot certain problems like removing viruses or spyware. If you are able to detect but not remove a virus or adware, try booting into safe mode and removing it there.

Note: You cannot uninstall programs through the Control Panel in safe mode. This must be done in normal mode.

To boot Windows into safe mode do the following:

1. Turn off your computer.
2. Turn your computer back on and begin pressing the F8 key every second or so. (If you computer begins beeping when you press the F8 key, you are pressing it too fast.)
3. At the Windows Advanced Options Menu select Safe Mode and press Enter. (Figure 1)
4. Select your operating system and press Enter. (Figure 2)
5. Windows will now begin loading into Safe Mode. Some text will stream across your screen - this is normal.
6. A window will open which says, Windows is running in safe mode. Click Yes. (Figure 3)

You are now running Windows in Safe Mode. While in Safe Mode, you can scan your computer for viruses or spyware. When you are done troubleshooting in Safe Mode, restart your computer. It will load Windows normally.

For instructions on how to scan your computer for viruses or spyware, refer to the following:

• 1089: Scanning your computer with McAfee VirusScan 8.7i
• 1215: How to scan your computer with Ad-Aware Free
• 1219: How to scan your computer with Spybot Search & Destroy
• 1108: How to scan your computer with AIMFix
• 1218: How to scan your computer with VundoFix