Lesson 2: Using Advanced Startup Options

Windows 2000 includes advanced startup options for use in troubleshooting and repairing startup problems, maintaining and repairing the directory services based on Active Directory technology, and connecting the computer to a debugger. These new startup options enhance the ability to diagnose and resolve driver incompatibility and startup problems in Windows 2000.

To display the advanced startup options, press F8 during the operating system selection phase of the Windows 2000 startup process. Even if there is only one operating system on your computer—and therefore you don't have the operating system selection phase—you are still prompted during the Windows 2000 startup process to press F8 to display the startup options. Table 12.2 describes the Windows 2000 advanced startup options.

Table 12.2 Advanced Startup Options

Option	Description
Safe Mode	Loads only the basic devices and drivers that are required to start the computer, including the mouse, keyboard, mass storage devices, base video, and the standard, default set of system services. This option also creates a log file.
Safe Mode With Networking	Loads only the basic devices and drivers that are required to start the computer and enable networking. This option also creates a log file.
Safe Mode With Command Prompt	Loads safe mode options but starts a command prompt instead of Windows Explorer. This option also creates a log file.
Enable Boot Logging	Creates a log file that references all of the drivers and services that the system loads (or does not load). This log file is called Ntbtlog.txt and is located in the systemroot folder (the folder that contains the Windows 2000 system files).
Enable VGA Mode	Loads the basic VGA driver. This mode is useful if a video driver is preventing Windows 2000 from starting properly.
Last Known Good Configuration	Uses the last known good configuration information that is stored in the registry to start the computer.
Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows 2000 Domain Controllers Only)	Allows restoration and maintenance of Active Directory directory services and restoration of the Sysvol folder on domain controllers.
Debugging Mode	Sends debugging information to another computer through a serial cable.
Boot Normally	Allows a normal boot

The advanced startup options available in Windows 2000 include Safe Mode, Enable Boot Logging, Enable VGA Mode, Last Known Good Configuration, Directory Services Restore Mode, and Debugging Mode. These options allow you to attempt to restart your computer when there is a problem with a normal boot.