Last Time I Restarted My Computer in Safe Mode All Heck Broke Loose: Why?

Technology isn't fool proof. Specifically, concerning computers, there are times when you're installing new software and adding new drivers to your PC or laptop, only to restart your machine to complete the installation to find that your computer isn't operating as it should be.

That's when a feature like "safe mode" comes in handy. Safe mode is a feature that starts the Windows operating system with a limited set of files and drives. Essentially, no programs are run in this mode and only the basic functions needed to power Windows boot up. Safe mode is designed to give users the opportunity to pin point where issues are within their operating system. So basically, if you boot up your computer in safe mode and all is well, it's not the basic settings and device drivers that are causing the issue - it's something else. And this "something else" can be removed while you're in safe mode.

Essentially, safe mode makes any issues easier to identify and remove, rather than prompting you to get on the horn with PC technical support or spend hours yourself experimenting with removing programs and drives. It's a fast, convenient fix in most cases.

So to answer the question posed in the title - if all heck breaks loose when you restart your computer in safe mode, it's likely something with your settings or device drives that is causing the problem. Don't fret, just think of anything you've implemented recently that may be causing the issues and adjust accordingly.

Are you experiencing problems with your computer? Give safe mode a try and see if you can troubleshoot the issue yourself. Here's how to do it:

• First remove any CDs, DVDs or external disks from your computer.
• Then, select the "Start" button, click the arrow next to the "Lock" button and hit "Restart."
• Press down and hold the F8 button on your keyboard as your computer is in the restart process. Note: If the Windows logo appears, you'll have to try again, as the safe mode restart was not successful and Windows is loading.
• Finally, just log in with your network ID and password.

You'll see the words "safe mode" in the four corners of your display screen for the duration of time you spend in the mode. After you're done troubleshooting any issues, simply boot up your computer the normal way by restarting it without holding down the F8 key.