All the editions of Windows Vista have advanced startup options designed to enable users to boot the operating system in advanced troubleshooting modes. In Windows Vista, in order to access the Advanced Boot Options menu, you must first restart the operating system and press F8 before Vista starts. The access patch is reminiscent of that of Windows XP, and if you have rebooted XP in safe mode for example, then you are already familiar with the F8 command.

Whenever a problem emerges in Windows Vista that causes the operating system to become nonfunctional even after a restart, you will need to identify the issue. The troubleshooting modes will help you narrow the problems down. The Windows Vista Safe Mode will only load the most basic infrastructure of the operating system. Generally, the default settings and basic device drivers have nothing to do with Vista becoming unresponsive or nonfunctional, and via Safe Mode, you will be able to remove additions to the operating system that might have caused the problems.

Repair your computer is one of the options available in the Windows Vista Advanced Boot Options menu. It will display a collection of system recovery tools addressing startup problems. Users will also be able to run diagnostics and even restore the system. However, this option can only be accessed via the hard disk only if the tools have previously been installed on a local drive, or through the Windows installation disc.

Safe mode - Starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services.
Safe mode with networking - Starts Windows in safe mode and includes the network drivers and services needed to access the Internet or other computers on your network.
Safe mode with command prompt - Starts Windows in safe mode with a command prompt window instead of the usual Windows interface. This option is intended for IT professionals and administrators.
Enable boot logging - Creates a file, ntbtlog.txt, that lists all the drivers that are installed during startup and that might be useful for advanced troubleshooting.
Enable low resolution video (640 × 480) - Starts Windows using your current video driver and using low resolution and refresh rate settings. You can use this mode to reset your display settings.
Last Known Good Configuration (advanced) - Starts Windows with the last registry and driver configuration that worked successfully.
Directory services restore mode - Starts Windows domain controller running Active Directory so that the directory service can be restored. This option is intended for IT professionals and administrators.
Debugging mode - Starts Windows in an advanced troubleshooting mode intended for IT professionals and system administrators.
Disable automatic restart on system failure - Prevents Windows from automatically restarting if an error causes Windows to fail. Choose this option only if Windows is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and fails again repeatedly.
Disable Driver Signature Enforcement - Allows drivers containing improper signatures to be installed.
Start Windows normally - Starts Windows in its normal mode.