Fix your own computer for seniors for dummies- P11: The way I look at being a senior is this: We got there ahead of the rest of the pack. Let those behind us get all excited over tweets and iPods and video games that simulate the challenges and joys of life. | Chapter 17 Working in Safe Mode Plug and play The availability of plug and play means that the computer can recognize most devices that are plugged in during or after start-up. Not all device drivers are available in safe mode however. For more information on working with device drivers see Chapter 4. Help and Support Choose Start Help and Support to open the Help and Support window which provides searchable instructions and troubleshooting tips for many elements of the system see Figure 17-4 . In basic safe mode however networking and Internet access are disabled to search on the Web for assistance you have to choose the Safe Mode with Networking option during start-up see Choose Advanced Safe Mode Options later in this chapter . Device Manager This tool allows you to update device drivers and configure hardware. For details on using Device Manager see Chapter 18. System Restore This utility lets you retrieve settings and other information stored in the computer at an earlier time. I cover System Restore in detail in Chapter 16. Command prompt In certain circumstances such as when a support professional tells you to do so you may want to reach the command prompt to run a program that resides outside Windows. To display the prompt see Figure 17-5 choose Start All Programs1 i Accessories1 Command Prompt. Also see Choose Advanced Safe Mode Options later in this chapter for more information. I 111285 Part IV Resetting the Operating System ---------------------------Safe mode indicators Help window Figure 17-4 Registry Editor This tool is not for inexperienced or unguided users. You may need to use it however if a support professional directs you to make changes in your Windows Registry files. Follow his or her instructions carefully. Don t make changes without backing up the previous set of files and without getting specific instructions about changes. A mistake in a critical section can render Windows unusable requiring you to reinstall it. I 111286 Chapter 17 .
