Chapter 15 PC Troubleshooting 649
Safe Mode Command Prompt Only
starts the computer with only the essential
drivers as if in safe mode. It does not load the graphical user interface. The
command interpreter is loaded and the command prompt appears allowing
commands to be issued.
Depending on the version of Windows you are using, not all options will be
available. For example, the
Last known good configuration
option is available
from safe mode of Windows 2000, XP and Vista, but not in Windows 98 or Me.
Last known good
configuration, when selected, uses the last set of registry
data before the system failed. This selection assumes that a change occurred in
the configuration of the computer system, which resulted in the system failure.
Windows Vista uses the [F8] function key to launch the
Advance Boot Options
menu. This menu is slightly different in appearance when compared to the menu
of previous versions. Figure 15-5 shows the
Advanced Boot Options
menu.
System Restore
System Restore can be used to restore a system to a previous working state.
System Restore first became available in Windows Me. Restore points, which are
backups of system settings and configurations, make it possible for a computer to
revert to an earlier time when the computer system was working properly.
Look at Figure 15-6. When System Restore first opens, it provides two
options:
Create a restore point
and
Restore my computer to an earlier
time.
Although System Restore automatically creates restore points daily and before
a software program is installed, the
Create a restore point
option allows the
user to make a backup of the existing system. Creating a restore point manually
should always be performed before changing configurations, adding hardware,
Advanced Boot Options
Choose Advanced Options for: Microsoft Windows
(Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice.)
Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Enable Boot Logging
Enable low-resolution video (640 x 480)
Last Known Good Configuration
Directory Services Restore Mode
Debugging Mode
Disable automatic restart on system failure
Disable Driver Signature Enforcement
Start Windows Normally
Description: Start Windows with only the core drivers and services. Use
when you cannot boot after installing a new device or driver.
ENTER = Choose ESC = Cancel
Figure 15-5.
Windows Vista
Advanced Boot
Options
menu.