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 resolutionvideo 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:oot.ini. Once the problem is fixed you need to restart windows normally to load all the installed components. (2004-12-31)