Windows Startup Options
- Safe Mode is a Windows startup mode that loads only those drivers and services required to start the operating system. This is a diagnostic mode that is useful in identifying the source of a malfunction, as a lot of virus or software problems cannot be addressed while they are running in Normal Mode. If the computer functions well in Safe Mode, it is usually an indicator that the computer's registry has been damaged or corrupted by recently installed software. Safe Mode With Networking is another version of Safe Mode that allows the user to connect to the Internet, which makes it possible to search for potential solution online.
- The Last Known Good Configuration startup option is offered to the user when the computer has recovered from a serious error. This option generally appears when the user turns the computer off manually with the power button because it became frozen or unresponsive. This startup option attempts to load the Windows settings that worked last. Because of this, it can potentially bypass unauthorized changes made by computer viruses. This startup option should be used when Windows will not load but did load the last time the computer was used.
- Computer Repair Mode is a computer startup option that is accessed from the Windows installation disk. It is primarily used to repair or replace damaged system files. System files can be damaged when tampered with by the user or manipulated by a computer virus or other program. This startup mode determines which system files are corrupt and reinstalls them. After the repair is complete, the Computer Repair Mode will attempt to boot Windows normally.
- VGA Mode is used when the display drivers that have been installed to Windows have become corrupted. The VGA driver is a very basic video driver that is adequate for running Windows but is not ideal. VGA Mode allows the user to access the computer so that the system's normal video drivers can be repaired or reinstalled. Note that although the VGA driver may handle basic tasks well, it is not optimized for video or high-load graphics.
