Computer Systems

Servicing 11
Quarter 4
Self-Learning Module 17
Safe Computer Network Operation
Development Team of the Self-Learning Module
Writer: Ronald S. Bobis
Editor:
Reviewers: Felix C. Vergara Jr.
Illustrator: Name
Layout Artist: Name
Management Team: Ma. Evalou Concepcion A. Agustin
OIC-Schools Division Superintendent
Aurelio G. Alfonso EdD
OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Victor M. Javeña EdD
Chief, School Governance and Operations Division and
OIC-Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division

Education Program Supervisors

Librada L. Agon EdD (EPP/TLE/TVL/TVE)

Liza A. Alvarez (Science/STEM/SSP)
Bernard R. Balitao (AP/HUMSS)
Joselito E. Calios (English/SPFL/GAS)
Norlyn D. Conde EdD (MAPEH/SPA/SPS/HOPE/A&D/Sports)
Wilma Q. Del Rosario (LRMS/ADM)
Ma. Teresita E. Herrera EdD (Filipino/GAS/Piling Larang)
Perlita M. Ignacio PhD (EsP)
Dulce O. Santos PhD (Kindergarten/MTB-MLE)
Teresita P. Tagulao EdD (Mathematics/ABM)
 EXPECTATIONS

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

1. describe safe computer network operation.
2. explain the safe computer network operation;
3. list down on how safe mode the computer network operation.

PRETEST

Direction: Write T on the line if the statement is correct and F if the statement is
wrong.

___1. Most system drivers are not mounted. A system driver is the program that
allows Windows to communicate with hardware like a printer or scanner.

___2. The Windows desktop appears in 16 colors with a 640 x 480 resolution and the
words "Safe Mode" in each corner.

___3. Safe Mode includes network drivers and utilities that enable you to connect to
the Internet and other devices on your network.
___4. The autoexec.bat and config.sys files are not executed in Safe Mode.

___5. The operating system is started in text mode in this mode. This mode
necessitates machine command experience and is therefore more suited to advanced
users.

RECAP
In our previous lesson, you have encountered the word “network inspection system”.
Can you still remember the meaning of this word? What is a network inspection
system?
__________________________________________________________________________________
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Please identify tests you can run to ensure your network is up and running.

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

LESSON

Though Windows is a flexible and efficient operating system, it can also be

frustrating at times. When you launch a new software application or add drivers for
new hardware, this annoyance is amplified. The machine suddenly fails or locks up.
When you restart the machine, it displays a peculiar Windows desktop with the
words Safe Mode in the four corners. Safe Mode is a special Windows boot-up that
can be used to restart the machine when it has encountered a critical issue that
prevents regular Windows functions and operations. Safe Mode enables users to
troubleshoot and pinpoint the source of the problem.

When your machine has a critical problem or an error, boot into Safe Mode.
Safe mode starts Windows in a minimal state, with just a few files and drivers
installed. If a problem does not occur in safe mode, it is unlikely that the issue is
caused by default settings or basic system drivers. Observing Windows in safe mode
allows you to pinpoint the root of a problem and aids in the troubleshooting of
computer issues.

When Windows starts in Safe Mode, it does a few things differently than
when it starts normally:

• The autoexec.bat and config.sys files are not executed in Safe Mode.
• Most system drivers are not mounted. A system driver is the program that
allows Windows to communicate with hardware like a printer or scanner.
• Safe Mode uses standard VGA graphics mode instead of the usual graphics
system driver. All Windows-compatible video cards support this mode.

• The /testmem:on switch is used to load Himem.sys, which is usually loaded

as part of the config.sys script. This option instructs the machine to run a test
on the extended memory before proceeding.
• Safe Mode looks for details about where to find the rest of the Windows files
in the msdos.sys file. If the files are found, the command win /d:m is used to
start Windows in Safe Mode. If the Windows files are not found, command.com
will be used to open a C: prompt.
 • Instead of the regular system.ini file, Windows boots from a batch file called
system.cb. This file loads the Virtual Device Drivers (VxDs), which are used by
Windows to communicate with the computer's standard components.
• The system.ini file, as well as win.ini and Registry settings, are now loaded by
Windows. It ignores the [Boot] and [386Enh] parts of system.ini and does not
load or run any of the programs specified in win.ini.
• The Windows desktop appears in 16 colors with a 640 x 480 resolution and
the words "Safe Mode" in each corner.

Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking are the two variations of safe mode. Safe
Mode with Networking includes network drivers and utilities that enable you to
connect to the Internet and other devices on your network. Most system drivers are
not loaded in Safe Mode, and the autoexec.bat and config.sys files are not run. In
this mode, the machine uses VGA graphics as well.

Choose one of the sections below to learn how to start your computer in safe mode
from Settings, the sign-in screen, or a black or blank screen.

From Settings:

1. To open Settings, press the Windows logo key + I on your keyboard. If that
does not fit, press, and hold the Start button when selecting Settings.
2. Select Update & Security > Recovery.
3. Select Restart now from the Advanced startup menu.
4. Select Troubleshoot.

Image 1.0
5. Select > Advanced options.

Image 1.1

6. Select > Startup Settings.

 Image 1.2

7. Under “Start-up Settings” click Restart.

Image 1.3

8. Various boot options are displayed.

Image 1.4

The numbers, 4,5, or 6 are the relevant choices for booting into Safe Mode.

Press one of the numbers or function keys F4, F5, or F6 to select an alternative.

4) Choose Safe Mode. The operating system is started in this mode with the bare
minimum of installed drivers and only the essential Windows functions are used.

5) Switch to Networking Safe Mode. The network drivers are also started in this
mode.

6) Use Command Prompt to allow Safe Mode. The operating system is started in
text mode in this mode. This mode necessitates machine command experience and
is therefore more suited to advanced users.

9. Windows 10 starts in Safe Mode.

From the sign-in screen: If you cannot get into safe mode because you cannot open
Settings, restart your computer from the Windows sign-in screen.

1. On the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key while you select
the Power > Restart.
2. After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen,
select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. You will see a list of choices after your computer restarts. To start your
computer in safe mode, press 4 or F4. Pick 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with
Networking if you will need to use the Internet.

From a black or blank screen: You must first enter the Windows Recovery
Environment before entering safe mode (WinRE). You will do this by constantly
turning your computer off and on:

1. To switch off your computer, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
2. To switch on your computer, press the power button once more.
3. Keep down the power button for 10 seconds when you see the first indication
that Windows has started (for example, some devices display the
manufacturer's logo when restarting) to switch off your computer.
4. To switch on your computer, press the power button once more.
5. Keep down the power button for 10 seconds after Windows restarts to switch
off your computer.
6. To switch on your computer, press the power button once more.
7. Allow your system to restart fully. You are going to enter WinRE.

Now that you are in WinRE, you will follow these steps to take you to safe mode:
1. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options >
Startup Settings > Restart.
2. You will see a list of choices after your system restarts. For Safe Mode with
Networking, choose choice 5 from the list or press F5.
Notes: You can exit safe mode by restarting your computer, or by:
1. Press the Windows logo key + R.
2. In the Open box, type msconfig and then click OK.
3. The Boot tab should be selected.
4. Clear the Safe boot checkbox under Boot options.

ACTIVITIES

A. Direction: Rearrange the following steps of starting your computer in safe

mode through settings in chronological order by numbering them from 1 to 8,
write your answer on the space before each item.
____1. Select > Startup Settings.

____2. Select Restart now from the Advanced startup menu.

 ____3. Select Update & Security > Recovery.

____4. Under “Start-up Settings” click Restart.

____5. Various boot options are displayed.

____6. To open Settings, press the Windows logo key + I on your keyboard.
If that does not fit, press, and hold the Start button when selecting Settings.

____7. Select Troubleshoot

____8. Select > Advanced options.

B. Direction: Create an infographic showing the steps you have on the first
activity.

WRAP-UP

Direction: To assess yourself about the things you have learned from the lesson, fill
in the details below.

Today I learned that ______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
 VALUING
DIRECTION: Read and answer the following questions carefully in two to three
sentences each number.

1. How will you use the knowledge you acquired about safe computer network
operation?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. Cite a situation in which you can apply the knowledge of understanding safe
computer network operation?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

POSTTEST

Direction: Write T on the line if the statement is correct and F if the statement is
wrong.

___1. Most system drivers are not mounted. A system driver is the program that
allows Windows to communicate with hardware like a printer or scanner.

___2. The Windows desktop appears in 16 colors with a 640 x 480 resolution and the
words "Safe Mode" in each corner.

___3. Safe Mode includes network drivers and utilities that enable you to connect to
the Internet and other devices on your network.
___4. The autoexec.bat and config.sys files are not executed in Safe Mode.

___5. The operating system is started in text mode in this mode. This mode
necessitates machine command experience and is therefore more suited to advanced
users.
 KEY TO CORRECTION

8. 5
7. 4
6. 1
5. T 5. 8
4. T 4. 7
3. F 3. 2
2. T 2. 3
1. T 1. 6
Pretest/Posttest Activity

References
• Google.” Testing your computer network” Accessed April 22, 2021.
https://computer.howstuffworks.com/question575.htm
Google.” Procedure in network security” Accessed April 23, 2021
• https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/start-your-pc-in-safe-mode-
in-windows-10-92c27cff-db89-8644-1ce4-b3e5e56fe234
• Google.” Network inspection devices” Accessed April 23, 2021
https://support.avira.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002870214-How-do-I-
start-Windows-10-in-Safe-Mode-