This article discusses what Safe Mode is and how it can be used to remove computer viruses and/or spyware.
Safe Mode is an alternate way to start a Windows based computer for troubleshooting purposes. In a nut-shell; Windows starts up with only the bare minimum services and applications running. This is why Safe Mode can be helpful when a computer becomes infected with a computer virus or if spyware and/or adware becomes a problem.
The infected computer can be boot (started) into Safe Mode at which point anti-malware (antivirus / antispyware) software can be run before the infected files are have a chance to start up. This method helps remove those pests that just won’t go away while scanning in “normal” mode. Some, but not all, spyware and viruses can be prevented from loading on start-up by starting a computer in Safe Mode.
Instructions:
Click Start and then click Shut Down.
In the drop-down list of the Shut Down Windows dialog box, click Restart, and then click OK.
As your computer restarts but before you see the Windows logo, press the F8 key.
Use your arrow keys to highlight the ‘Safe Mode’ option, and then pressENTER.
Note:
If you get to the Windows logo let Windows load, then go through the restart process again.
In Safe Mode, the computer is running basic files and drivers only, no network connection. You can choose the Safe Mode with Networking option, which loads all of the above plus it gives you the ability to network, or you can choose the Safe Mode with Command Prompt (for advanced users). You can also select Last Known Good Configuration, which lets you attempt to restore the computer well…to it’s last know good configuration.
Safe Mode is perfect for removing viruses, spyware, adware a.k.a malware. It’s not foolproof but it can give you an advantage over the malware by preventing it,or them from starting up as with Windows.
There might be times where Safe Mode will not be able to help you.