If your computer won't start, you can use Safe Mode or other startup options to start the computer with only the minimal necessary services. If the computer successfully starts with safe mode, you can then change the configuration to correct the problem. For example, by removing or reconfiguring newly installed drivers that might be causing a problem.

The following list describes safe mode and other advanced startup options available in Windows 2000. Safe mode allows access to all partitions, regardless of the file system used: FAT, FAT32, or NTFS (assuming that the physical disk is functional).
Note If you are using, or have used, Remote Install Services to install Windows 2000 on your computer, the advanced startup options might include options related to restoring or recovering your system using Remote Install Services (in addition to the options in the following list).

• Safe Mode: Starts Windows 2000 using basic files and drivers only, without networking. The drivers and files used are for mouse, monitor, keyboard, mass storage, base video, and default system services.
  Safe mode also causes a boot log to be saved (see "Enable Boot Logging," later in this list).
• Safe Mode with Networking: Starts Windows 2000 using basic files and drivers only (see the preceding item), but also includes network support.
  Safe Mode With Networking also causes a boot log to be saved (see "Enable Boot Logging," later in this list).
• Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Starts Windows 2000 using basic files and drivers only (see "Safe Mode" earlier in this list), without networking, and displays only the command prompt.
  Safe Mode with Command Prompt also causes a boot log to be saved (see "Enable Boot Logging," later in this list).
• Enable Boot Logging: Creates a boot log of devices and services that are loading. The log is saved to a file named Ntbtlog.txt in the system root (the folder in which Windows 2000 is installed, typically \Winnt).
• Enable VGA Mode: Starts Windows 2000 using the basic VGA (video) driver. This mode is useful when you have installed a new driver for your video card that prevents Windows 2000 from starting properly. The basic video driver is always used when you start Windows 2000 in any kind of safe mode.
  If you plan to start the computer with a safe mode option and then use the Backup program with Removable Storage, the only safe mode options you can use are Enable VGA Mode, Last Known Good Configuration, and Directory Services Restore Mode.
• Last Known Good Configuration: Starts Windows 2000 using the settings (registry information) that Windows saved at the last shutdown. Use Last Known Good Configuration only in cases of incorrect configuration. It does not solve problems caused by corrupted or missing drivers or files.
  Important: When you use Last Known Good Configuration, system setting changes made after the last successful startup are lost.
  If you plan to start the computer with a safe mode option and then use the Backup program with Removable Storage, the only safe mode options you can use are Last Known Good Configuration, Enable VGA Mode, and Directory Services Restore Mode.
• Directory Services Restore Mode: Restores the Active Directory on a domain controller. You cannot use this option on Windows 2000 Professional or on member servers.
  If you plan to start the computer with a safe mode option and then use the Backup program with Removable Storage, the only safe mode options you can use are Directory Services Restore Mode, Last Known Good Configuration, and Enable VGA Mode.
• Debugging Mode: Starts Windows 2000 while sending debug information through a serial cable to another computer.