Reference number: CH000597

Computer always boots into Windows Safe Mode.

Issue:

Computer always boots into Windows Safe Mode.

Solution:

It is common that users believe the computer boots into Safe Mode each time the computer boots because of incorrect video drivers or video settings. When booting into Safe Mode, the lowest settings are used, including your video card. This means that the resolution is 640x480, 16 colors when in Safe Mode; however, a video card can also have these settings improperly set or corrupt drivers may also cause the video resolution to be set to this resolution, giving the user the impression that they are in Safe Mode when really in normal mode.

Microsoft Windows will indicate when a user is in Safe Mode by displaying "Safe Mode" in each of the corners of the window and/or by displaying a Safe Mode message when first loading into Windows. If this message is not seen, it is likely you are in normal mode and not Safe Mode. To correct issues with your video card that make it appear your computer is in Safe Mode, please see document CH000190 for information about setting the resolution in Windows.

Additional information:

• Additional information about Windows Safe Mode and related dictionary definitions can also be found on our Safe Mode dictionary definition page.