How to Put a Dell PC in Safe Mode

by C. Taylor

Safe mode is designed to boot your operating system with the minimum amount of software and drivers required. Neither startup programs nor drivers for nonessential hardware load in safe mode. This allows you to circumvent many viruses or conflicts in order to repair the problem or back up your data before a reformat.

Step 1

Shut down your Dell computer and wait a couple of minutes before rebooting.

Step 2

Press "F8" continuously as the computer reboots and until you see Windows Advanced Options.

Step 3

Highlight "Safe Mode" with your arrow key, then press "Enter." Your Dell computer now boots into safe mode.

About the Author

C. Taylor has been a professional writer since 2009. He has written for online publications and the "Journal of Asian Martial Arts." Taylor specializes in martial arts, traveling, sciences and computer repair. He received a Master of Science in wildlife biology from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences from the College of Charleston.