Advanced Boot Options

Information

This will show you how to boot into the Advanced Boot Options screen to select options to start Vista in advanced troubleshooting modes.

• How to Start the Memory Diagnostics Tool in Vista
• How to Do a Startup Repair in Vista
• How To Perform a Repair Installation For Vista
• How to Do a System Restore in Vista
• How to Run Check Disk at Startup in Vista
• How to Check and Change the Startup Programs in Vista
• How to Repair and Verify the Integrity of Vista System Files with System File Checker
• How to Get Out of Reduced Functionality Mode in Vista
• How to Turn DEP On or Off for a Program
• How to Troubleshoot the Computer with Reliability Monitor in Vista
• How to Generate a System Health Report in Vista
• How to Use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool in Vista
• How to Use the Resource Monitor in Vista
• How to Start Vista in Safe Mode

1. Start or restart the computer.
2. Press F8 on your keyboard about every second as soon as you turn the computer on until you see
the screenshot below.
NOTE: If the Windows logo appears, you will need to repeat steps 1 and 2 again.


Advanced_Boot_Options.jpg


3. Use the arrow keys to select an advanced option to start Vista into and press Enter.

Advanced Option	Description
Repair Your Computer	Shows a list of system recovery tools you can use to repair startup problems, run diagnostics, or restore your system. This option is usually only available if the tools are installed on your computer's hard disk. For example, when you only have a recovery partition from a OEM computer. If you have a retail Vista installation DVD, the system recovery tools are located on the installation DVD. For more about this, see: How to Do a Startup Repair in Vista
Safe Mode	This starts Vista with a minimal set of drivers and services. See: How to Start Vista in Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking	This starts Vista in safe mode and includes the network drivers and services needed to access the Internet or other computers on your network.
Safe Mode with Command Prompt	This starts Vista in safe mode with a command prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface. To exit from here, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or type Exit and press Enter.
Enable Boot Logging	Creates a file named ntbtlog.txt, that lists all the drivers that are installed during startup.
Enable Low Resolution Video (640 X 480)	Starts Vista using your current video driver and using low resolution and refresh rate settings. You can use this mode to reset your display settings, or to use a television monitor with your computer if needed.
Last Know Good Configuration (advanced)	Starts Vista with the last registry and driver configurations that worked successfully. For more information, see: Windows Help and How-to: Using Last Known Good Configuration
Directory Services Restore Mode	Starts Vista's domain controller running Active Directory so that the directory service can be restored. This option is intended for IT professionals and administrators.
Debugging Mode	Starts Vista in an advanced troubleshooting mode intended for IT professionals and system administrators.
Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure	Prevents Vista from automatically restarting if an error causes Vista to fail. Choose this option only if Vista is stuck in a loop where Vista fails, attempts to restart, and fails again repeatedly.
Disable Driver Signature Enforcement	Allows drivers containing improper signatures to be installed.
Start Windows Normally	Starts Vista in its normal mode to the logon screen or user desktop.