684 Computer Service and Repair
Advanced Boot Option Description
Safe Mode
Starts the operating system with only the minimal
drivers and services required to operate the
system.
Safe Mode with Networking
Includes the necessary network adapter drivers
and services needed to establish a network
connection.
Safe Mode with Command
Starts with the command prompt rather than
Prompt
the GUI. Requires fewer drivers this way.
Enable Boot Logging
Creates a log file called ntbtlog.txt, which lists all
the drivers installed during the startup sequence.
Enable Low-Resolution Video
Uses the lowest possible video resolution and
(640x480)
a low refresh rate for minimal impact of system
resources.
Last Known Good
Starts Windows using the last set of successful
Configuration (advanced)
registry and configuration settings.
Directory Services
Used for starting a domain controller for
Restore Mode
directory support.
Debugging Mode
Used for advanced troubleshooting, usually by
programmers. Sends information to another
computer via a serial connection.
Disable Automatic Restart
Will not let the system automatically restart on a
on System Failure
boot failure.
Disable Driver Signature
Does not require drivers to have a driver
Enforcement
signature.
Start Windows Normally
Starts Windows normally, not with any reduced
drivers, services, or configuration.
As a computer repair technician, your main interest will be the following four
boot options:
Safe
Mode,
Safe Mode with
Networking,
Safe Mode with Command
Prompt, and
Last Known Good
Configuration.
Safe Mode
is the most commonly accessed option when troubleshooting
a computer using the
Advanced Boot Options
menu. It loads only the bare
minimum drivers required to run the system. Once the computer is started
in safe mode, you can access other utilities such as System Restore, System
Configuration Utility, Backup, other troubleshooting tools.
By selecting the
Enable Boot Logging
option, the
ntbtlog.txt
will be created
during the system boot. The
ntbtlog.txt
file contains a list of all drivers loaded and
not loaded during the boot. This information can help you determine what driver
file the computer is having problems loading. The
ntbtlog.txt
file can be read using
Notepad or a similar software application. The following screen capture shows
an example of the
ntbtlog.txt
file contents. As you can see, all drivers are clearly
identified as either “Loaded driver” or as “Did not load driver.”