Microsoft KB Archive/239780

= Safe-Mode Boot Switches for Windows Boot.ini File =

Article ID: 239780

Article Last Modified on 3/1/2007

-

APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server

-



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.



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

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.

Additional query words: safemode safeboot

Keywords: kbenv kbinfo KB239780

-

[mailto:TECHNET@MICROSOFT.COM Send feedback to Microsoft]

© Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.