Windows – How to boot Windows 8 into Safe Mode

bootsafe-modewindows 8

I have Windows 8 Enterprise x64. It's installed a virtual machine. After trying to update VMWare's guest extension it black screened. After resetting it, now the virtual machine won't boot. It just says "automatic repair couldn't repair your PC"

Everything I do ends with an error or it coming back to this screen. If I go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Start up settings and then go to Safe Mode, all it will do is say "preparing automatic repair" and then "diagnosing your PC" and then will come straight back to the "automatic repair couldn't repair your PC" screen. It's as if it doesn't even attempt to go into safe made.

Is there anything else I can do before I reformat?

Best Answer

Things are a little bit different in Windows 8. Have a look at the HowToGeek guide for this which explains in detail what you may be trying to achieve.

In summary:

  1. Mash Shift+F8 like you would with F8
  2. Click See advanced repair options
  3. Choose Troubleshoot
  4. Choose Advanced options
  5. Choose Windows Startup Settings
  6. Click Restart

Windows 8 Safe Mode

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