Safe-Mode Boot Switches for Windows Boot.ini File

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This article was previously published under Q239780

SUMMARY

Windows includes a Safe-mode boot feature. To use this feature, press F8 during boot, and then choose the Safe-mode boot mode you want to use. There are also switches that you can use to make any of these modes available in the Boot.ini file. You may want to do this if you frequently use one of these boot modes or you need to automate a process.

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MORE INFORMATION

The Safe-mode boot modes and corresponding switches include:

Mode: Safe Mode
Switch: /safeboot:minimal /sos /bootlog /noguiboot
Mode: Safe Mode with Networking
Switch: /safeboot:network /sos /bootlog /noguiboot
Mode: Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Switch: /safeboot:minimal(alternateshell) /sos /bootlog /noguiboot
Mode: Enable Boot Logging
Switch: /bootlog
Mode: Enable VGA Mode
Switch: /basevideo
Mode: Directory Services Restore Mode (Domain Controllers Only)
Switch: /safeboot:dsrepair /sos
Mode: Debugging Mode
Switch: /debug

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Sample Boot.ini File with "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" Switch

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT="Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server" /fastdetect /SAFEBOOT:MINIMAL(ALTERNATESHELL)

NOTE: The /sos /bootlog /noguiboot switches are not required with any of the above settings, but they are useful to help with troubleshooting. These switches are included if you press F8 and choose one of the modes.

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