Windows 8 - Safe Mode

[Gary L]

Not a lot of people know this.
you can't start in safe mode unless you can get into Windows to start it.

open command prompt (with Admin rights)

type:
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy
(to turn on)

or
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard
(disable it)

Now you can press F8 at bootup, and you'll get the safe mode and other options.

[Jimmy-J]

Handy to know, thanks matey.

[Taf]

So if Windows won't start due to a faulty driver, you're stuffed?

---------- Post added at 18:06 ---------- Previous post was at 18:03 ----------

Windows 8 monitors the startup procedure and when problems are detected it automatically takes you to the new Recovery Mode. At this point you will be presented with the message: ‘Recovery. It looks like Windows didn't load correctly'.

Select the advanced repair options and choose Troubleshoot, Advanced options, ‘Windows Startup Settings', Restart. Your computer will boot into an ‘Advanced Boot Options' screen in which Safe mode can be selected.

If you're able to boot Windows normally, but still need to enter Safe mode, you can skip this rather convoluted process by going to the Start screen and typing msconfig. Launch System Configuration from the list of search results, then select its Boot tab. On this screen (pictured above), you can check a box to enable Safe boot, with various different types of Safe mode available below. Click Ok, then click Restart to boot your computer into Safe mode.

There is a much easier way, however. If you are at the Windows 8 login screen, simply choose restart and hold down the Shift key. You will arrive at the windows with options to troubleshoot your system from which you can select to boot in Safe Mode.

Of course most people who need Safe Mode will already have a problem with their PC. If you are already logged in and can see only a black screen, hit CTRL, ALT, DEL to bring up the selection screen, and choose logout, restart. Then hold down the Shift key and you will be taken to the window via which you can choose Safe Mode.

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/wi...-in-safe-mode/