ARCHIVED: How can I run Windows 95, 98, or Me in Safe Mode?

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Note: UITS recommends that you use a current version of Windows on computers connected to the Indiana University network; see Recommended Windows operating systems at IU.

Safe Mode is a special diagnostic version of Windows that bypasses your Windows 95, 98, or Me startup files. If a problem with your hardware configuration or computer's display drivers prevents Windows from loading normally, you may be able to resolve the problem by booting into Safe Mode and changing the relevant settings. Follow these instructions for entering Safe Mode:

Windows 98 or Me

  1. Turn on or reboot your computer.
  2. After the memory test, the computer will beep and the screen will clear. When it does, press and hold the Ctrl key.

Windows 95

  1. Turn on or reboot your computer.
  2. After the memory test, "Starting Windows 95" will appear on a black background. When it does, press and hold the F8 key.

The Windows Startup menu

You should see the Windows Startup menu. Selecting Safe mode will boot you into Windows Safe Mode. In Windows 98, if you are unable to boot into Safe Mode, try Command prompt only or Safe mode command prompt only. Both options try to boot directly to the Windows command prompt; however, Safe mode command prompt only will bypass all startup files entirely. Windows Me does not allow you to boot into a command prompt.

Note: You should try booting to the command prompt only if you feel comfortable operating within the DOS environment.

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Last modified on 2018-01-18 12:52:11.