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How to start in safe mode in Windows 8.1

Discussion in 'Legacy Windows' started by SarahB, 2014/09/18.

  1. 2014/09/18
    SarahB

    SarahB Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I've read that the old f8 method of starting windows in safe mode does not work with W8.1 without a normal boot first. This seems microsoft madness as one generally wants safe mode when the PC won't boot or run normally!

    As I have found safe mode invaluable in retrieving data from troublesome PCs before they die, I'd like to know in advance how to get to safe mode in W8.1 (if possible) in the abscence of a normal boot being possible. In case I ever need it.

    Thanks in advance.
     
    SarahB,
    #1
  2. 2014/09/18
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    Steve R Jones,
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  4. 2014/09/18
    SarahB

    SarahB Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Steve,
    Thank you for the link but I think this only applies for W8.

    The shift + f8 does not work in W8.1

    Safe mode only seems to be accessible in W8.1 from within a normal Windows boot. But if Windows can't be started normally, what then?????
     
    SarahB,
    #3
  5. 2014/09/18
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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  6. 2014/09/18
    SarahB

    SarahB Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I'd found several of these tuturials but they all suggest it is necessary to access safe mode from a functioning Windows 8.1. This assumes Windows will boot properly. However, safe mode is usually required because this is not the case! Is this a big hole in W8.1????
     
    SarahB,
    #5
  7. 2014/09/18
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    BUT, if you do the steps NOW, it'll work when you need it won't it?

    Plus if I]m not mistaken, WIn 8.1 has the repair function that will fix all sorts of issues too.
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #6
  8. 2014/09/19
    hawk22

    hawk22 Geek Member

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    Hi SahraB
    Just to be sure that I am not talking through my B..... I just turned off my comp and started up again in Safe Mode, doing what I have done for Donkey's Years, keep hitting Delete and it booted into Safe Mode.
    I am using Windows 8.1 Full Version bought at a Retailer for AU$129.-

    Your Motherboard Manual will tell you how to boot into Safe Mode as well.
    Enjoy
    hawk22
     
    hawk22,
    #7
  9. 2014/09/19
    hawk22

    hawk22 Geek Member

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    OOOps I goofed, mixed up Safe Mode with BIOS
    Sorry
     
    hawk22,
    #8
  10. 2014/09/19
    hawk22

    hawk22 Geek Member

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  11. 2014/09/19
    Bill

    Bill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Nope. Not madness. It because of how Windows 8.x "sleeps" or sits in "standby mode" - allowing W8.x to boot MUCH more quickly than previous versions.

    Turning off is not the same thing rebooting - especially with a motherboard that uses UEFI instead of the traditional BIOS.
     
    Bill,
    #10
  12. 2014/10/19
    SarahB

    SarahB Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    SarahB,
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  13. 2014/10/19
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Hi SarahB, Did you read the Zavadski way? This was way down the comments section in the 2nd. link that Steve Posted:
    Another possible test. Neil.
     
    retiredlearner,
    #12
  14. 2014/10/19
    Bill

    Bill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    A risky one though, since every time a computer crashes (even a forced crashed by the user) there is a good chance critical system files on the boot disk will become corrupt, making matters worse. So I would call that a last-ditch option.
     
    Bill,
    #13
  15. 2014/10/19
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    I agree Bill, but looked like he was desperate. It could possibly set off Chkdsk testing. Neil.
     
    retiredlearner,
    #14

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