How safe is safe mode

swatoke

Member
Dec 26, 2003
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If my computer is hooked up to a broadband connection and in safe mode, am I safe from hackers or viruses? Occasionally I will go into safe mode on my Windows XP machine to do maintenance. Since most drivers are not loaded and anti-virus software is not active. Can a computer in safe mode still be accessed through cat-5 cable?
 

TechnoPro

Golden Member
Jul 10, 2003
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When you press F8 to get into the startup menu, you'll notice that there is "Safe Mode" and "Safe Mode with Networking" among other options. The former does not run any networking services, so in that respect, you cannot connect to another PC, let alone the internet. With "Safe Mode with Networking", you are indeed exposed to any and all risks without the benefit of AV software and a firewall.
 

sswingle

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2000
7,183
45
91
I think you have the wrong definition of safe mode ;)

Safe mode is just a mode you can boot to which loads minimal drivers so you can bug fix your computer if its not working properly the normal way. Safe mode is probably less "safe" in the sense that your antivirus and firewall programs usually dont load in safe mode.