<operating system> An alternative way to start Microsoft
Windows such that only a minimal set of software components
(drivers and background processes) are loaded, making it
easier to diagnose problems. Safe mode loads a standard low
resolution video driver and does not support connection to
the Internet.
Windows will sometimes restart in safe mode automatically
following a crash. All Windows versions except Windows
3.1 can be started in safe mode, usually by holding the Ctrl
or F8 key while the computer is restarting. To start Windows
NT in safe mode you need to edit C:\boot.ini.
Once the problem is fixed you need to restart Windows normally
to load all the installed components.