If you’re trying to do some Windows troubleshooting or perhaps remove some pesky spyware that has found its way onto your system, you will need to know how to start in safe mode. Starting your PC in safe mode, only certain programs and files needed to run the operating system will be loaded.
Windows 95/98/Millennium Edition (Me)
Restart your computer. Immediately after the POST diagnostics and memory count, begin pressing the F8 key repeatedly. When the startup menu loads, choose “Safe Mode”.
Windows 2000
Completely shut down your computer and wait for 30 seconds. Power on your computer, then start pressing the F8 key once you can see the black and white Windows start bar at the bottom of your screen. When the Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu appears, select the “Safe Mode” option and press the Enter key.
Windows XP/Vista
Completely shut down your computer and after 30 seconds, power it back up. Begin pressing the F8 key and when the Windows Advanced Options Menu appears, choose “Safe Mode” and press Enter.
Note: If the “Keyboard Error” message is displayed, restart your computer and try again.