SAFE MODE for Mac & Windows

What is Safe Mode for Macintosh OS X?
Safe Mode is a special way to start Mac OS X 10.2 or later when troubleshooting. Safe Mode is the state Mac OS X is in after a Safe Boot.

To start up into Safe Mode for Macintosh, do this:
1. Be sure the computer is shut down.
2. Press the power button.
3. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
Tip: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not before.

4. Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple and progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
5. During the startup in Mac OS X 10.2 through 10.3.9, you will see "Safe Boot" on the Mac OS X startup screen.

During the startup in Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you will see "Safe Boot" on the login window, which appears even if you normally log in automatically.

To leave Safe Mode in any version of Mac OS X, restart the computer normally, without holding any keys during startup.

What is safe mode in Windows XP?

Safe Mode has been a component of the Windows operating system since the days of Windows 95. The basic idea is to allow the user access to the windows interface without loading any unnecessary drivers or software.

To start up into Safe Mode in Windows XP, do this:

1. When booting your system, as soon as the first screen appears showing your memory and hardware information, start pecking the 'F8' key until you see a screen that has listed SAFE MODE.
2. Using your arrow keys on your keyboard, move up until you highlight SAFE MODE.
3. Then hit the ENTER key 2 times. You will see many lines of programming code go by.
4. A screen will appear that asks you to click OK. Your computer will now be in SAFE MODE.

To leave Safe Mode, restart the computer normally, without holding any keys during startup.