Safe-Mode Boot Switches for Windows 2000 Boot.ini File

ID: Q239780

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

SUMMARY

Windows 2000 includes a Safe-mode boot feature. To use this feature, press F8 during boot and then choose the Safe-mode boot mode you want to use. There are also switches that you can use to make any of these modes available in the Boot.ini file. You may want to do this if you frequently use one of these boot modes or you need to automate a process.

MORE INFORMATION

The Safe-mode boot modes and corresponding switches include:

Mode: Safe Mode
Switch: /SAFEBOOT:MINIMAL /SOS /BOOTLOG /NOGUIBOOT

Mode: Safe Mode with Networking
Switch: /SAFEBOOT:NETWORK /SOS /BOOTLOG /NOGUIBOOT

Mode: Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Switch: /SAFEBOOT:MINIMAL(ALTERNATESHELL) /SOS /BOOTLOG /NOGUIBOOT

Mode: Enable Boot Logging
Switch: /BOOTLOG

Mode: Enable VGA Mode
Switch: /BASEVIDEO

Mode: Directory Services Restore Mode (Domain Controllers Only)
Switch: /SAFEBOOT:DSREPAIR /SOS

Mode: Debugging Mode
Switch: /DEBUG

Sample Boot.ini File with "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" Switch


[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT="Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server" /fastdetect /SAFEBOOT:MINIMAL(ALTERNATESHELL)

NOTE: The /SOS /BOOTLOG /NOGUIBOOT switches are not required with any of the above settings, but they are useful to help with troubleshooting. These switches are included if you press F8 and choose one of the modes.

Additional query words: safemode safeboot

Keywords : kbenv winboot
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbinfo