Windows XP

1. If the computer is on, from the Start menu (in the lower-left corner of the screen), shut down Windows.
2. Turn the computer off.
3. Turn the computer on. The computer will begin processing a set of instructions known as the "Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)." What you see on the monitor depends on the BIOS manufacturer. Some computers display a progress bar that refers to the word BIOS, while others may not display any indication that this process is happening.
4. As soon as the BIOS has finished processing, begin tapping the F8 key on your keyboard. Continue to do so until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears.

   NOTE
   If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this problem, restart the computer and try again.

5. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to scroll through the menu options, and then select the Safe mode menu option.
6. Press ENTER.

Windows 2000

1. If the computer is on, from the Start menu (in the lower-left corner of the screen), shut down Windows.
2. Turn the computer off.
3. Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
4. When you see the Starting Windows bar at the bottom of the monitor, start tapping the F8 key on your keyboard. The Windows 2000 Advanced Options menu will appear.
5. Confirm that the Safe mode option is selected. In most cases, it is the first item in the list and is selected by default. (If it is not selected, use the arrow keys to select it.)
6. Press ENTER. The computer should start in Safe mode, which can take a few minutes.
7. When you finish troubleshooting, close all programs.
8. Restart the computer as you normally do.

McAfee Anti-Virus Software for Windows Computers
IT Help Center
Anti-Virus Questions or Comments
University of Delaware Home Page
Last updated: June 17, 2005
Copyright © 2002-2005 University of Delaware