Safe mode is basically the same as normal mode with the
exception that only limited drivers and services are
installed. You will use it for troubleshooting problems
rather than anything else. To get to it, reboot your pc
and as the bios details appear, i.e., memory checking and
other text on the black screen just as you boot,
repeatedly press the F8 key (repeatedly press it i don't
mean hold it down continuously). A text type menu will
appear. Safe mode is the top option. Scroll up to it and
highlight it (you have no mouse control here) and then
press Enter.
Hope this helps
John Barnett - MVP
Associate Expert