Windows 7’s advanced startup options

Back when we were using Windows 95, we used to figure on a format every six weeks. That’s because about every other month you’d get up and turn on your computer and Windows 95 would not boot. And when it wouldn’t boot, you were done. You got out your little Windows 95 start-up floppy, and boot into DOS and type FORMAT / C — EB taught me that. Then you spent the next day trying to get back on the Internet because your IRQs were all messed up.

Ah, those were the good old days. Your either learned Windows or you found a friend who knew Windows – because reliability was a joke.

Windows 7 is a huge step for Windows. There are many things you can try should Windows 7 fail to boot.

The Advanced Boot Options screen lets you start Windows in advanced troubleshooting modes. You can access the menu by turning on your computer and pressing the F8 key before Windows starts. Its a good idea to have your Windows 7 installation disk in your DVD

Some options, such as safe mode, start Windows in a limited state, where only the bare essentials are started. If a problem doesn’t reappear when you start in safe mode, then you know it isn’t’ one of your default settings, basic device drivers or services causing your problem.

Here are some of the Advanced Boot Options available in Windows 7:

Repair Your Computer

This option shows a list of system recovery tools you can use to repair startup problems, run diagnostics, or restore your system. This option is available only if the tools are installed on your computer’s hard disk. If you have a Windows installation disc, the system recovery tools are located on that disc.

Last Known Good Configuration (advanced)

Starts Windows with the last registry and driver configuration that worked successfully.

Disable automatic restart on system failure

Prevents Windows from automatically restarting if an error causes Windows to fail. Choose this option only if Windows is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and fails again repeatedly.

Safe Mode with Networking

Starts Windows in safe mode and includes the network drivers and services needed to access the Internet or other computers on your network.

Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Starts Windows in safe mode with a command prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface. If you are attacked by a rogue security program, this is the mode you should choose. You’ll not have Internet access in this mode, but neither will the rogue. At the command prompt type: RSTRUI.EXE and wait about 5 minutes. The System Restore windows will open and you can restore your computer back to a time before the rogue was installed on your computer.