Windows Questions and Answers - Computer Keeps Booting in Safe Mode

Delrissa writes in with a Windows question:
Question:My computer keeps starting in safe mode.

Answer: There are many reasons this could be happening. I will give you a few suggestions. Did you install any new hardware or software before this happened? If so try removing it and restarting the computer.
 
You should also check your hardware in Device Manager for any hardware items that have been duplicated. Right click my computer, go to properties and then device manager. Check every device and delete any duplicates. I wouldn't delete any duplicates under Storage volumes or Universal Serial Bus controllers if you have them. Do so at your own risk because there is a chance of making things worse.
 
You can also try a scandisk and registry restore. When you get to the Safe Mode menu pick Command prompt only.
At the C:\ prompt, type scandisk and press enter and let it run.
Then at the prompt type scanreg /restore
Choose the newest entry if applicable
Start it back up in Safe Mode by pressing F8 while booting
Then reboot again and see if it starts up in normal mode
 
Another option is to perform a System Restore to take your computer back to a previous setting that worked. (It will be basically the same for ME)
 
Then you can try booting into Safe Mode using the step by step process. When you pick this option say no to all .Vxd but not .386. If it works after that then most likely a device driver is failing.
 
Bad memory can cause this problem too. Check and ensure that RAM and chips are seated firmly. You may want to take them out and put them back in again.
 
Finally there is an in place reinstallation of Windows. This will reinstall Windows and leave your programs and files intact but its always a good idea to back them up first if you can just in case.
 
Here is a Microsoft article that may give you some ideas.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q273738#E01C0ACAAA

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