Using the Safe Mode Boot Options

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If your Windows Server 2003 operating system experiences a problem, and you cannot start it normally, try using the following Safe Mode advanced startup options:

  • Safe Mode

  • Safe Mode with Networking

  • Safe Mode with Command Prompt

The Safe Mode boot options are troubleshooting modes that load your Windows Server 2003 operating system with a minimal set of device drivers and services. After you start Windows Server 2003 in Safe Mode, you can use troubleshooting techniques such as running System File Checker or restoring backups to resolve the problem.

For more information about the Safe Mode boot options and other advanced startup options, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 325375, "HOW TO: Troubleshoot Startup Problems in Windows Server 2003."