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Unable to boot into normal mode, machine keeps booting into safe mode
- Article
- 12/07/2021
- 2 minutes to read
In this article
This article provides steps to fix an issue in which machines can't boot into the normal mode and keep on restarting into the safe mode.
Applies to: Windows 10 - all editions, Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number: 2543632
Symptoms
Machine is unable to boot into the normal mode and it keeps on restarting into the safe mode.
Cause
This issue happens when SAFEBOOT option is checked in the System Configuration Utility, under the Boot tab.
Resolution
To fix the issue, follow the steps:
Using the System Configuration Tool on Windows 2003/Windows XP:
Step 1: Close all programs so that you have nothing open and are at the desktop.
Step 2: Click the Start button, and then click Run.
Step 3: In the Run field type msconfig as shown in the image below.
Step 4: Press the OK button and the System Configuration Utility will start up. You'll then see a screen similar to image below.
Step 5: Click the BOOT.INI tab selected by the red box in the figure above and you'll see a screen similar to image below.
Step 6: Uncheck the mark in the checkbox labeled /SAFEBOOT designated by the red box above. Then press the OK button and then the OK button again. Windows will now prompt if you would like to reboot. Press the Yes button and machine can boot into normal mode now.
Note
With the /SAFEBOOT option checked, you'll notice an additional entry in Boot.ini file as seen below. If you see the box check for /SAFEBOOT, remove the check.
Even though this document focuses primarily on Windows 2003 Server and Windows XP, this information applies to Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2.
On the Operating System running Vista or above Boot Configuration Data Editor [Bcdedit.exe] command-line tool can be handy:
Following command will delete the /SAFEBOOT option and help machine boot into normal mode:
bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot
Open administrative command prompt to run above bcdedit command. For detailed command and option information at the command prompt, type bcdedit.exe /? command.
More information
Boot Configuration Data Editor Frequently Asked Questions
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Not boot in Normal Mode - driver issue
- Article
- 09/24/2021
- 2 minutes to read
In this article
This article provides some information about Windows does not boot in Normal Mode due to a driver issue.
Applies to: Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number: 555996
This article was written by Nirmal Sharma, Microsoft MVP.
Summary
This article explains a situation when Windows doesn't boot in Normal Mode because of a driver issue.
More information
The problem might be either with Windows Driver or Third-Party applications. In 99 cases, the problem is with any third-party driver that is causing this problem. If Windows is not booting into Normal Mode, but booting successfully in either Safe Mode or Safe Mode With Networking, then you can follow below steps outlined to make Windows to run in Normal Mode.
Go to Safe Mode.
Start Registry editor > navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\MinimalSave or Export this key to SafeBoot.reg file.
Next navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\ServicesSave or Export it to Services.reg.
Now edit SafeBoot.reg in notepad [make sure you disable word wrapping].
Find all the entries with:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimaland replace all with the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\ServicesAfter replacing all entries, save SafeBoot.reg file and double-click on it.
Now restart your computer in Normal Mode.
Note
Editing registry is not recommended by users only experienced administrators should edit the registry.
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