Internet Works Only in Safe Mode

Have you ever encountered a situation where your internet connection seemed to work perfectly fine, but only when your computer was in safe mode? In this article, we delve into the intriguing phenomenon of the internet functioning exclusively in safe mode.

Important
Fortect can address the issue of IE only working in safe mode by repairing damaged system files and faulty settings.

Download Now

Troubleshooting Internet Connectivity in Safe Mode

If you’re experiencing internet issues that only occur in Safe Mode, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.

1. Disable Proxy Settings: In Safe Mode, open Internet Explorer and go to the Tools menu. Select Internet Options, then click on the Connections tab. From there, click on LAN settings and make sure the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” box is unchecked.

2. Reset Network Settings: Open the Command Prompt in Safe Mode and type netsh winsock reset and press Enter. Then, type netsh int ip reset and press Enter again. Restart your computer and see if the internet connection is restored.

3. Update Network Drivers: In Safe Mode, open Device Manager and expand the Network adapters category. Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

4. Disable Antivirus Software: Some antivirus programs may interfere with internet connectivity in Safe Mode. Temporarily disable your antivirus software and check if the internet connection is restored.

Updated: March 2024

If you’re experiencing an issue where Internet Explorer only works in safe mode, Fortect can help. It repairs damaged system files and faulty settings that may be causing this problem. Additionally, if the issue is related to missing DLL files, Fortect can automatically fix the issue.

It also addresses other common computer problems such as freezing and slowdowns, ensuring smooth performance for Windows and other programs. While Fortect can’t fix every issue, it’s a reliable solution for many common computer problems.

Understanding Safe Mode and Normal Mode Differences

Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode in Windows that starts your computer with only essential services and drivers. It can help you diagnose and fix problems that may be preventing your computer from starting normally.

When you enter Safe Mode, only the basic files and drivers required to run Windows are loaded, which means that some features and functionality may be unavailable. However, this can be useful when troubleshooting issues related to drivers, software conflicts, or malware.

In Safe Mode, you can perform tasks like uninstalling recently installed programs, running a virus scan, or updating drivers. It can also help determine if a problem is caused by a specific program or driver.

To enter Safe Mode in Windows 10, press the Windows key + R, type “msconfig”, and press Enter. In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab and check the “Safe boot” option. Click OK and restart your computer.

Once you have resolved the issue in Safe Mode, you can restart your computer in Normal Mode to regain full functionality. Normal Mode loads all the drivers and services required for your computer to operate normally.

Keep in mind that Safe Mode is not meant to be used as a permanent solution. It is a diagnostic tool to help identify and resolve issues. If you find yourself frequently needing to use Safe Mode, it may be a sign of a more serious problem that requires further investigation.

If you are experiencing internet connectivity issues and find that the internet works only in Safe Mode, it could be due to a driver or software conflict. You can try updating your network drivers, disabling recently installed programs, or running a malware scan to resolve the issue.

Accessing Internet Explorer in Safe Mode

Internet Explorer icon in safe mode

To access Internet Explorer in Safe Mode, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “iexplore -extoff” and click OK. This will open Internet Explorer without any add-ons.
3. If you’re prompted to choose a default browser, select Internet Explorer.
4. In Safe Mode, Internet Explorer will not load any third-party extensions or toolbars that may be causing issues.
5. Use Internet Explorer as you normally would to browse the web and see if the issue persists.

By accessing Internet Explorer in Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot and identify any add-ons or extensions that may be causing problems with your browsing experience. If the issue is resolved in Safe Mode, you can disable or remove the problematic add-ons or extensions to continue using Internet Explorer normally.

python
import os

def is_safe_mode_enabled():
if os.name == 'nt': # Checking if running on Windows
return bool(os.environ.get('SAFEBOOT_OPTION') == 'SAFEBOOT_MINIMAL')

elif os.name == 'posix': # Checking if running on POSIX-based systems (e.g., Linux, macOS)
try:
with open('/proc/cmdline', 'r') as cmdline:
return bool('safe-mode' in cmdline.read())
except FileNotFoundError:
return False

return False # Return False for unsupported platforms

# Usage
if is_safe_mode_enabled():
print("The system is currently in safe mode.")
else:
print("The system is not in safe mode.")

Resolving Issues with Internet Access in Safe Mode

  • Check Network Adapter Settings
    • Open Network Connections by pressing Windows key + R, typing ncpa.cpl, and pressing Enter.
    • Right-click on the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and select Properties.
    • Ensure that Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) is selected and click on Properties.
    • Make sure both Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected.
    • Click OK to save the changes.
  • Reset TCP/IP Stack
    • Open Command Prompt as an administrator by pressing Windows key + X and selecting Command Prompt (Admin).
    • Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.
    • Restart your computer to apply the changes.
  • Update or Reinstall Network Adapter Drivers
    • Open Device Manager by pressing Windows key + X and selecting Device Manager.
    • Expand the Network adapters category.
    • Right-click on your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and select either Update driver or Uninstall device.
    • If updating the driver, choose the Search automatically for updated driver software option.
    • If uninstalling the device, restart your computer and let Windows automatically reinstall the driver.
  • Disable Third-Party Security Software
    • Open the Settings or Control Panel of your security software.
    • Look for an option to disable or turn off the firewall or network protection.
    • Disable the firewall or network protection temporarily.
    • Restart your computer and check if the internet works in Safe Mode.
  • Scan for Malware or Viruses
    • Install and run a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program.
    • Perform a full system scan to detect and remove any potential threats.
    • Follow the instructions provided by the security software to clean your system.
    • Restart your computer and check if the internet works in Safe Mode.
Example Alert
🔍

While it is important to be cautious as Internet Explorer may only work in safe mode, it is crucial not to over exaggerate the limitations of the browser. Download this tool to run a scan

Was this article helpful?
YesNo

Similar Posts