Use safe mode to troubleshoot Windows connectivity problems
PrintOverview
Question: What does safe mode do? How do I run it?
- Safe mode loads the Windows operating systems with the minimum number of drivers needed to function, and it uses basic versions of the drivers it does load (standard VGA driver for video, for example.)
- Safe mode does not load drivers for printer, CD drives, tape backup system, network, or sound card. Additionally, it does not load run= and load= lines from win.ini.
- Safe mode limits the number of variables in running the computer system, and therefore provides a good environment for troubleshooting and tracking down hardware and software conflicts.
Assumptions
You are using Windows and are connected to the Internet with a high-speed connection.
Expected Outcome
You will be able to start your computer in safe mode or safe mode with networking.
Details
To start up your computer in safe mode: (Note: Read step 2 before restarting your computer.)
Restart your computer.
- If the Start menu is unavailable because your operating system is not responding, press Ctrl+Alt+Del to open the Task List or Task Manager (the name varies, depending on your version of Windows). Then press Ctrl+Alt+Del again to restart your computer.
- If your computer still fails to restart, press your computer's reset button (located somewhere on the computer, not the monitor) or turn the computer off and wait approximately 30 seconds before turning it on again.
While your computer is restarting but before Windows launches , follow the steps for your specific operating system:
Windows XP
Note: The Safe Mode w/ Networking option might allow Internet access. You can use this if your error the result of complications with Internet accessibility. If the error is not the result of complications accessing a secure web site, use the Safe Mode option.
The Windows Advanced Options menu will look similar to this:
Windows Vista
Note: The Safe Mode w/ Networking option might allow Internet access. You can use this if your error is the result of complications with Internet accessibility. If the error is not the result of complications accessing a secure web site, use the Safe Mode option.
The Windows Advanced Options menu will look similar to this:
Windows 7 and 8
Note: The Safe Mode w/ Networking option might allow Internet access. You can use this if your error is the result of complications with Internet accessibility. If the error is not the result of complications accessing a secure web site, use the Safe Mode option.
The Windows Advanced Options menu will look similar to this:
After you select Safe Mode w/ Networking,select which operating system to use to restart. (Typically, only one operating system is installed.) Press Enter.
At the prompt to select a login, choose Administrator, which gives you access to all PC programs. Enter the Administrator password.
When prompted to work in safe mode, choose Yes.
Open QuickBooks. Try the task that failed again.
Note: If the connection succeeds, this indicates that there is something interfering with QuickBooks connectivity while functioning in normal mode.You should check for anything that can cause the issue on that PC. If you need help, see your network or PC support technician to research the problem.
When finished, restart your computer normally.
Because a standard video driver is used in safe mode, your computer's display can appear different than usual. After you finish troubleshooting in safe mode and restart your computer, the display returns to its normal function and appearance.
