Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer with only basic services and functionality. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start Windows in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes.
If you haven't installed any new programs or hardware recently, you can use the process of elimination to help you find the problem. Try starting all of the programs you commonly use, including the programs in your Startup folder, one by one to see if a program might be the cause of the problem.
The program might be incompatible with this version of Windows. Try using System Restore to restore your system to a point in time when it worked correctly. For more information, see What is System Restore?
If uninstalling or restoring the driver back to a previous version does not fix the problem, try uninstalling or removing the hardware, and then restarting your computer.
Try restarting your computer using Safe Mode with Networking, the only safe mode option that allows networking and Internet capabilities. If you can't connect using this option, be sure to rule out hardware issues by restarting your computer and also any network hardware you are using, such as a modem or router. For more information, see Troubleshoot Internet connection problems.
System Restore can return your system files to a previous point in time before you noticed a problem. For more information, see What is System Restore?
If System Restore does not fix the problem, try running Startup Repair from your Windows installation disc. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions.
Driver
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Driver
Software that enables hardware or devices (such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard) to work with your computer. Every device needs a driver in order for it to work.
Device
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Device
Any piece of equipment that can be attached to a network or computer, for example, printers, keyboards, external disk drives, or other peripheral equipment. These devices require special software (device drivers) to work with Windows.
Safe mode
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Safe mode
A method of starting Windows using only basic files and drivers. Safe mode is available by pressing the F8 key during startup. This allows you to start the computer when a problem prevents it from starting correctly.
Modem
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Modem
A device that allows computer information to be transmitted and received over a telephone line or through broadband services such as cable or DSL. Modems are most commonly used to connect to the Internet.
Router
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Router
A device that sends, or routes, information between two networks (for example, between a home network and the Internet). Routers find the quickest paths for sending information, which makes network connections faster. Routers can be wired or wireless.
Help and How-to
