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Softwares are programmed tools, and you may expect bugs and serious issues to happen. However, these bugs and issues can be debugged. If you are using Windows 7 and a prompt appears indicating the need for troubleshooting, it is suggested to execute the operation in safe mode.
It is the recommended mode for troubleshooting and lets you work in a low-risk environment. Moreover, entering into safe mode means running Windows in a limited state. In this mode, only the necessary files and drivers will load to let you troubleshoot. So, it is the most appropriate troubleshooting mode that lets you solve issues with programs and drivers that may prevent Windows 7 to start correctly. This blog explains how to reboot windows 7 in safe mode.
How to reboot Windows 7 in safe mode
How you can reboot Windows 7 depends on whether a PC or laptop can starts Windows normally. If the PC or Laptop Window 7 starts normally, it is fine otherwise if a black or blank screen appears, you will need to start the PC / laptop in safe mode in Windows 7. Maybe you want to tackle a virus attack and need to reboot Windows 7 in safe mode. Let’s learn how to reboot windows 7 in safe mode.
- Check out if you need to reboot in safe mode.
Safe mode enables means Window will load with only necessary files and drivers. In other words, all other files and drivers that are not required for boot will not be loaded. If you are facing booting issues, you can reboot your Windows 7 in a safe mode to troubleshoot the cause.
- Remove the disks (CD, DVD, USB) if any are inserted.
If you have any CD, DVD, or USB in the ports, discard them before rebooting in safe mode. On rebooting the PC or laptop, removing disks ensures canceling any attempt to boot.
- Reboot Windows 7 in Safe Mode.
How to reboot windows 7 in safe mode? There are 2 possible solutions. Either you reboot the PC or laptop and quickly press the F8 key to enter into the Advanced menu, OR you set up Windows 7 to start directly into Safe Mode. Solution 1 is helpful if you fail to load Windows, however, you can try Solution 2 if Windows loads normally.
Reboot Windows 7: Method 1
Reboot the PC/Laptop and press the ‘F8’ key when the device reboots. Remember to press the key prior to the Windows Logo on a black background appears. If you fail to press in this time period, then again reboot the device and try again.
Reboot Windows 7: Method 2
Open the Run dialog by pressing the Windows key and R together. Now type ‘msconfig’ in the search box. This command will open the System Configuration window tab. Tap on the Boot tab, and then check the box ‘Safe Mode’. Next, you will be able to choose the type of Safe Mode you want.
If you have enabled Safe Mode, then you won’t see the F8 ‘Advanced Boot Options’ screen. Let’s discuss the 3 options you will have in this menu after striking the F8 key.
- Safe Mode: The most compatible option if you don’t know which else to select from the rest of the list. If you select this option, it will command the system to load Windows only the necessary files. Moreover, you cannot develop a Network connection. This option is also referred to as the ‘Minimal’ option.
- Safe Mode with Networking enabled: In the Safe Mode, only the necessary files are loaded but in this mode, some more files are loaded to allow networking. Select this option if the internet is needed for troubleshooting.
- Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Windows 7 will load the same processes that are loaded in Minimal Mode, but accessibility to the command prompt is guaranteed. Advanced users can take advantage of this option if they know their command line expertise. However, it will not load the Windows graphical environment.
- Let the required files load properly.
After the Safe Mode is enabled, now you will see the screen with logs of files loaded. Until all the files are loaded, don’t press any key. If your PC or laptop hangs at this stage, spot the last file loaded successfully and then search for troubleshooting ideas based on that information.
- Sign in to Windows 7.
Sign in Window will appear on the screen and you have to enter the administrator preferences. If you haven’t set any password for your account, then you will automatically sign in.
- Begin with troubleshooting.
If the Safe Mode is enabled, you will this written on the screen in all 4 corners. Now troubleshoot the virus, malware, or other issues.
When troubleshooting is finished, restart the PC/Laptop normally. If you selected ‘Safe Mode’ in the System Configuration box, now again open it and uncheck this option. If you do not reverse this, Safe Mode will remain enabled.
Take Away!
This blog described how to reboot windows 7 in safe mode. You have to follow each step very cautiously, as any wrong attempt may corrupt your system.
