Safe mode questions.

A couple of questions about safe mode.....firstly does it make any difference running spyware & virus scanners in safe mode as opposed to normal mode?
secondly when i was in safe mode & noticed my task manager was different to normal,what i was thinking is can i compare safe mode task manager to the normal mode one to see whats not supposed to be running in it.......or do i simply need to learn more about pc's lol.

 

when i want to do a thorough scan, i typically run them in safe mode. when you are in safe mode, only the bare minimum of drivers (something like that) is used, this would probably be your difference in task manager. i've also noticed that scans are quicker in safe mode compared to normal mode (probably because less stuff is running in the background)? - sos

 

Safe mode is a configuration of Windows where it loads an absolute minimum number of device drivers and background processes. This makes it easier to determine where problems lie.

This DOES make a difference when scanning for malware in safe mode. Since processes can "lock" the files that they open/depend on, these files cannot be removed while the process is running. Since you have a minimal set of processes in Safe Mode, there is less of a chance that you will find an infected file that's also locked. Safe Mode makes infected files easier to remove.

You can compare task manager between safe mode and a normal boot, but I'm not sure how meaningful it will be.

What I might suggest is to research user-defined startup programs, and then once familiar, to learn about Windows' services. It may seem a little overwhelming at first, depending on your experience level, but remember Majorgeeks are here to help.

Here's how I would check user-defined startups:

1. Download and install CCleaner
2. Launch CCleaner
3. Hit ALT + t (or click the 'Tools' button)
4. Press the 'Startup' button

Here, you will see a list of startup programs you, or applications you have installed have setup.

How to check Windows services:

1. Hit windows key + r (or click Start --> Run)
2. In the 'Run' dialog, type 'services.msc' (without the quotes)
3. Hit enter (or click the 'OK' button)

Windows will now show you a list of all the services that are installed on your computer. Most of these will have come default with Windows, but some will be installed by 3rd parties.

This gives a bit of information on all the software Windows loads at startup. If you have any questions on specific ones, I'm sure someone will be glad to help you.

 

Thanks people