How to Boot to the Advanced Boot Options in Vista
InformationThis will show you how to boot into the Advanced Boot Options screen to select options to start Vista in advanced troubleshooting modes.
Here's How:
1. Start or restart the computer.
2. If you Multi Boot with more than One Operating System
A) At the Windows Boot Manager screen, select the OS you want to use the Advanced Boot Options for, then press F8. (see screenshot below)
3. If you Only Boot with One Operating System (ex: Vista)
A) Press (tap) 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 3 again. If you dual boot, then you will need to select the OS you want to use the Advanced Boot Option for and then press F8.
4. Use the arrow keys to select an advanced option to start Vista into and press Enter.
Advanced Option | Description |
Repair Your Computer | This options will only be available if you have a OEM computer with a recovery partition on your hard drive. Otherwise, you will need to use the System Recovery Options from your retail Vista installation disk. Repair Your Computer shows a list of system recovery tools that you can use to repair startup problems, run diagnostics, or restore your system. |
Safe Mode | This starts Vista with a minimal set of drivers and services. |
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. |
That's it,Shawn
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I will see what happens when I uninstall the drivers... worst case senario I will have to take it in eventually... probably not for a while until things change jobwise... thanks for the info though... in the words of the Terminator... "I'll be back"... LOL
Positive learning experience however, I found that I had to actually hit TAB first which took me to the BIOS POST message which allowed me to pick the OS then it gave me the option to hit F8 for the "Advanced Boot Options" menu... nifty huh? Much experimentation revealed that little acorn.