Startup
Advanced Boot Options
Starts Windows in advanced troubleshooting modes to fix computer problems.
To open
Reboot Windows and press F8 before Windows starts.
Description
This text menu, which you can invoke before Windows starts, lets you troubleshoot Windows problems. You can use it to restart Windows in Safe Mode, where only the Windows essentials are started. If Windows starts properly in this mode, you will know the default settings and minimum device drivers are not causing problems, and you can then proceed to further troubleshooting. The menu has these options:
- Safe Mode
Starts Windows with the minimal drivers and services.
- Safe Mode with networking
Starts Windows in Safe Mode, including network drivers and services.
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Starts Windows in Safe Mode with a command prompt instead of the Windows interface.
- Enable Boot Logging
Creates a text file, ntbtlog.txt, that lists the drivers that load during startup, which can be helpful for advanced troubleshooting.
- Enable low-resolution video (640 × 480)
Starts Windows using low resolution and refresh-rate settings. Use this to start Windows if there is a problem with your display settings. After you start in this mode, you can change your display settings in Windows itself.
- Last Known Good Configuration
Starts Windows with the last Registry and driver configuration that worked properly.
- Directory Services Restore Mode
Used by IT staff and administrators, this mode starts Windows domain controllers running ...
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