how to disable safe mode booting in windows 7?

Question

Is there a sure way to disable safe mode booting in windows 7? My kids tried to use it to install programs without my permission.  I have to find a way to disable it. I know that this means I will not have access to safe mode when I need, but I am fine with that. The worst case is to re-install the whole OS, and I have periodical back up on the system so I will re-install OS when necessary.

The search on the internet is in-conclusive.  Some say it can't be done.  Some point to a commercial tool which some says works while others say not working.

Some point to this way which I am not too sure will work for sure:
Enable 'Administrator' account and enable password on it, so when it goes into safe mode, it always requires password.

Any authoritative answer?

Thanks a lot.

Bryan · Accepted Answer

There is no "built-in" method to disable Safe-Mode booting, and for good reason because it can be very helpful to troubleshoot OS issues, boot problems...etc. However, to prevent your kids from accessing Safe-Mode and installing programs without your permission (tricky kids, I give them credit. lol), you need to make sure that you have the built-in Administrator account secured properly with a password. To set this perform the following:

1) Go to Start
2) Right click on "Computer" and select "Manage"
3) Expand the 'Local Users and Groups' node
4) Select 'Users' (This will be a list of all current user accounts assigned on your system)

At this point you should see an account labeled "Administrator", you will need to right click on the Administrator account and select "Set Password". If you are prompted with a message, click "Proceed". Make sure to remember this password!

After the changes have been made, verify that Safe-Mode is secured by restarting your computer and hitting F8 upon start-up. If you still for some reason were able to get into Safe-Mode without a password... try this:

1) While in Safe-Mode go to Start - Run (Or press Windows Key+R on keyboard) 
2) Type "control userpasswords" in the Run dialog box
3) Hit "Change My Password" and set a secured password.

After changes, shut down and restart and verify everything has worked.

If you have any problems I have no issue helping out more in detail, feel free to contact me via my blog listed in the source.

Good Luck!

-Bryan

Violetta · Answer

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how to disable safe mode booting in windows 7?
Is there a sure way to disable safe mode booting in windows 7? My kids tried to use it to install programs without my permission.  I have to find a way to disable it. I know that this means I will not have access to safe mode when I need, but I am fine with that. The worst case is to re-install the...

? · Answer

disable safe mode booting windows 7

Anonymous · Answer

Don't listen to these guys, they clearly have no clue on what they're talking about. I am a developer at Microsoft so I know a thing or two about computers. The only way to reset your windows password 100% safe is to use a software called Reset Password Pro.

The software allows you to create a boot-disk, that can be made on a CD/DVD or USB stick. The boot-disk can then be inserted into any locked machine, and it's a simple case of pressing reset. Here is their official site: http://www.resetwindowspass.com

? · Answer

my personal solution to this would be to partition the hard drive, put 7 on the new partition and thereby create a dual boot system in case you ever need windows 8. your other option is to format the hard drive and just start from scratch. you should not need to touch the registry or boot into safe mode for any of that, and that is the only way I know of to change the OS.

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how to disable safe mode booting in windows 7?

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