How to Run System Restore in Safe Mode

This article shows how to run a system restore in safe mode. This is useful if there is a new infection on the computer, if it is not able to boot in to windows normally or for various other reasons. System Restore does not change any of your files, however any programs installed since the date and time that the computer will be restored to will need to be reinstalled.

1. Completely power down the computer; do not restart it yet.

2. Locate the F8 key on the keyboard:
 

3. Turn the computer on and repeatedly tap the F8 key on the keyboard at a rate of about twice per second, until the “Windows Advanced Boot Options” screen appears. If it fails to appear and the computer boots in to Windows, turn the computer off and try again.

 
4.Use the arrow keys to highlight "Safe Mode" on the list and press Enter.

5. Wait a few minutes as Safe Mode loads.
If Safe Mode fails to load, it indicates deep Operating System issues. It would be recommended at this point to take the computer in to your local Micro Center store or look in to a System Recovery to wipe out the system and restore it to the factory settings.

6. Once Safe Mode loads and an account is chosen, a prompt will appear based on your version of Windows:
    - Windows XP – A Yes/No window will appear. Click 'No' to launch System Restore. Skip to step 10.
    - Windows Vista/7 – A "What Is Safe Mode" box appears. Close this window and proceed.

7. In the bottom left corner of the screen, click on the Start button and then choose All Programs.

8. On the All Programs menu, locate the Accessories folder.

9. Within the Accessories folder, locate the System Tools folder and click System Restore, then wait a few minutes as the program opens.

10. Look at the recommended restore point and determine if the computer was working properly at that time. If it was, click on Next. If not, check the "Choose A Different Restore Point" option.
Note: The System Restore may look slightly different based on the Operating System in use.

11. On the next screen, verify that the settings are correct and click Finish to start the restore process. It may take upwards of 20 minutes to complete and will reboot one or more times during the restore process.