to Index to Index
If you are trying to replace or delete a file in Windows, but the system won't let you do it, then it is likely that Windows is using/or has loaded this file and will not let the save/delete operation continue. If you shut down Windows and use the Start-Up option of 'Re-start in DOS Mode' then you can effect the operation using DOS Commands (See: DOS)
However for many other purposes you may want to carry out further actions. Below you will find the various Start-Up Options:
Start-up Options are designed primarily to assist in fixing errors and also give start-up flexibility
In Windows 95 Ver1 you use the shortcut keys shown below, just after the PC reports 'Starting Windows 95/98'. In Windows 98 wait until the screen reports the BIOS information and after detecting the CD Rom, the screen goes blank - use the shortcut keys shown under at that time.
On Starting the Computer you have the following options:
|
Shortcut Key |
What it Does |
Results |
|
------------------ |
------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
--------------------------------------------- |
|
F5 |
By-passes Startup files (config.sys and autoexec.bat) then enter Windows with mimimum drivers e.g no CDRom driver..etc |
Enters Windows Safe Mode, to be used to rectify problems. Eg: remove/reconfigure device(s) causing problems. See Conflicts |
|
|
|
|
|
Shift + F5 |
By-passes Startup files (config.sys and autoexec.bat) then enters DOS command prompt (C:\>_) |
Enters DOS so that you can work with DOS Commands. If you ever need to replace or delete a file Windows is using it won't allow this - you need to do it through DOS. You may need to do this is in order to replace a damaged or virus infected file. There are many other examples were you may need to use DOS. See DOS |
|
|
|
|
|
F8 |
Gives a Windows Start up Menu so that you can use different options to enter DOS or Windows. This also gives options for F5, Shift+F5, F8 and Shift+F8 detailed in this text. The Logged option prepares a log file which you can view to see what happened during Windows startup, especially if startup failed and this will show where & how it failed. You can click & view this file in the root folder (C:\). File: Bootlog.txt |
1. Normal. Normal Windows2. Logged. Normal Windows but prepares a Log 3. Safe Mode. Minimum drivers. Used to resolve conflicts/problems 4. Step by Step. Y or N to startup file commands. 5. Command Prompt. DOS only. 6. Safe Mode Command Prompt. DOS command prompt bypassing startup files. |
|
|
|
|
|
Shift + F8 |
Step-by Step confirmation of Config.sys & Autoexec.bat commands. You can see here, each device command (from Config.sys) and each software command (Autoexec.bat) used during startup. Each command when run (y) gives a bad command result if a file or device is missing. You can also see certain device setting e.g for a sound card when it can be used with DOS.: 220 I5 D1 -(device is using IO address 220, interrupt 5 and DMA channel one) |
Asks you to confirm or reject each command (y or n) in your Startup files, then gives options to enter Windows normally or with minimum drivers (as Safe Mode) or DOS. |
